Little Miss Sunshine (Kelly Clarkson)

Member Name: Charliewhippet

Product:	Kelly Clarkson
Date:	21/10/09 (125 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great singer, fun personality

Disadvantages: Some of her songs are distinctly "non-commercial"

Lately all of my reviews seem to be about dark, dastardly doings, vampires and killers. So I thought I'd lighten up a bit - and what could be brighter than one of America's sunniest stars?

It's been seven years since Kelly Clarkson charmed the USA with her impressive singing, natural charisma and self deprecating humour. She first appeared in Britain with her (second US) single "Miss Independent;" A wise choice, as Brits don't usually take too kindly to epic ballads like "A moment like this". (Of course, when our Leona Lewis released it as her first post ex factor single, it was different because we had been supporting her all along.)
Why has a competition winner lasted so long in this culture of disposable celebrity? We rarely see Kelly in the tabloids and certainly haven't seen her partying it up with Paris et al. We have never seen her flash her pants or lack thereof, and I'm sure the words "Don't you know who I am?" have never passed her lips.

Why do I love Kelly? Check her out on youtube. I don't think any other singer has so many "funny" clips. She isn't afraid to goof up, pull a silly face, admit she doesn't know the answer, or tell a story in which she appears to be a total doofus.

I doubt there will ever be any scandal about Kelly. First, because she isn't a scandalous type of person. When asked why she hasn't been in the news for drink driving like some of her peers, she explained "Because I don't drive drunk." Simple, huh? Secondly, if she did ever get caught being naughty, I doubt anyone would drop her in it. She is nice to the "little people". (A website for waitresses to vent on (www.bitterwaitress.com) had a section for people to "out" terrible celebrities. Kelly earned kudos for giving her tips in cash, so the waitstaff are sure to get it.) Thirdly, if an embarrassing secret did emerge, Kelly would laugh it off. You can't shame someone who has a sense of humour about themselves.

She has a stunning voice and, as we have seen from her American idol days, can sing any genre. She may be well known for her epic ballads, but I think she is a rock chick at heart, evidenced by her admiration for Steve Tyler... I also have her to thank for some great music tips - in interviews she has mentioned Brandi Carlile, among others. Living in the miraculous age of Spotify, I now have yet another singer songwriter to enjoy!

Despite her all-American girl next door persona, Kelly is known to be somewhat of a tough cookie when it comes to dealing with her record label / management. She has sacked two managers and famously fell out with her label when she refused to back down over her third album, largely self penned and NOT commercial. Despite strong pressure, she refused to perform her own single at a charity event, pointing out how inappropriate it would be to sing a "bitter pop song." Instead she sang a spine tingling cover version of Patty Griffin's folk-spiritual, "Up the mountain."

Despite some of her more dark and thoughtful (I am loathe to use the word "emo"!) lyrics, her personality seems to be on the "ecstasy trip" side of cheerful. Always gracious in interviews no matter how inane the presenters, Kelly manages to make it sound as if ALL her other interviews might be part of a punishing publicity schedule, but THIS ONE? This is fun!

She is open about the fact that images of her have been airbrushed; on seeing her latest album cover she said "Whoever she is, she looks great." Meanwhile she is happily posting snapshots of herself at home with her dogs, looking slightly chubby in a tracksuit. How nice to find that rare celebrity who is comfortable in themselves.

As her musical style continues to develop, mature and surprise with every new album, I look forward to seeing what's next....

Summary: Funny is so much better than cool......