Kelly Clarkson’s GRAMMY Awards: The Songs That Made Her a Superstar

From the moment she became American Idol's first winner in 2002, Kelly Clarkson has built a reputation for delivering songs that feel as unshakable as her powerhouse vocals. Her ability to express raw emotion with flawless technical execution that makes her not only loveable, but memorable.

This is the journey of how a Texas-born reality TV contestant became a three-time GRAMMY winner and 17-time nominee and earned her place among the most respected live vocalists of her generation.

When Clarkson won American Idol in 2002, the music industry still viewed reality competition winners as temporary fixtures in the pop charts. But Clarkson's debut single from the same year, “A Moment Like This,” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for two weeks, breaking the record for the biggest leap to the top in chart history.

Her 2003 debut album, Thankful, entered the Billboard 200 at No. 1 and earned double-platinum status. However, it was her second album, Breakaway, that rewrote her career trajectory.

At the 48th GRAMMY Awards in 2006, Clarkson took home Best Pop Vocal Album for Breakaway and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for “Since U Been Gone.” This made her the first American Idol alum to win a GRAMMY. In the years since, she has stacked up:

Released in 2004, “Since U Been Gone” was the track that cemented Clarkson's GRAMMY legacy. This pop-funk-infused anthem paired driving guitar riffs with a chorus that dared listeners not to scream along. Its GRAMMY win for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance marked the moment Clarkson shook off the tag of just another reality pop star.

Even two decades later, “Since U Been Gone” remains a GRAMMY-era anthem for Clarkson. It set a precedent for the emotional and physical stamina her future performances would demand.

While Clarkson is no stranger to high-energy anthems, her ballads often leave the deepest marks. “Because of You,” which she wrote as a teenager about her strained relationship with her father, is perhaps her most personal hit. Clarkson performed the song at the 2006 GRAMMYs, moving organically from tender, trembling vocals to soaring choruses without losing emotional clarity.

The song's reach went way beyond the pop charts. Her 2007 duet version with Reba McEntire became a country hit and showed just how fluidly Clarkson could cross genres. McEntire's warm harmonies with Clarkson's sharper tones created a dynamic that upgraded the song's emotional depth.

The release of “Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)” marked a new chapter that brought Clarkson her biggest commercial success of the 2010s. Released on January 17, 2012, the song shot to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for three weeks to become her longest-running chart-topper.

Its message of resilience resonated on multiple levels: as a breakup anthem for fans and a personal statement of endurance in an industry that can sometimes be brutal to women in their 30s. At the 55th GRAMMY Awards, the track earned nominations for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Solo Performance, while Clarkson herself won Best Pop Vocal Album for Stronger.

Part of what makes Clarkson so memorable is her command of vocal technique. She's a mezzo-soprano with a four-octave range that's capable of dynamic shifts without force or vibration. She often starts songs with a delicate tone before expanding into full-throttle vocals. Such techniques keep audiences emotionally hooked while also showcasing her stamina.

Clarkson's versatility is almost unmatched among her peers. She has performed pop, rock, soul, R&B, electronic, and even festive tracks with equal authenticity. What's more, she's recorded around 25 duets over her career with artists ranging from Ariana Grande to Chris Stapleton, with standouts such as “Don't You Wanna Stay” with Jason Aldean topping the country charts. She and Aldean performed the duet at the 2010 CMA Awards.

Fan videos frequently capture Clarkson holding high notes for seemingly impossible durations without losing pitch or tone. This skill is consistent throughout her performances.

Clarkson's GRAMMY history is littered with wins and nominations that demonstrate how a reality show contestant can transition into a respected star with a lasting career. She's set a benchmark for American Idol alumni, proving that you can earn industry respect through artistry rather than just commercial success.

While she continues to evolve as a performer, television host, and recording artist, Kelly Clarkson's GRAMMY nods demonstrate that authenticity cannot be manufactured.