Clarkson takes the stage stronger than ever
News
Friday, January 20, 2012
Its been nearly a decade since Kelly Clarkson won the inaugural season of American Idol, and on Jan. 24, the pop sensation will take the stage at the Verizon Wireless Center in Manchester.
After selling more than 20 million albums worldwide, the 29-year-old singer said shes stronger than ever, with the success of her aptly titled fifth album, Stronger.
The album is about empowerment, she has said. I wrote half this album. Its all about different kinds of relationships we all encounter.
Clarkson has been hard at work promoting the new album and said she enjoys life on the road.
Its a lot of fun, she said. Ive known most of the people on the road with me for six or seven years, so were around each other far more than were around our own families.
It may seem like the glamorous life, but Clarkson said the bands a lot of bookworms and computer nerds that have watched everyones kids in the band grow up.
Were not very rock n roll, she said. We go out probably once or twice on a big tour well go out and drink and have a good time. But really ... were pretty low-key.
As for the title, Clarkson said, I feel stronger than Ive ever felt as a person and as an artist. Its no secret that my career has been a bit of a roller coaster ride, but I had to experience all of that to get to this point.
Whether youve followed Clarkson since her Idol days or have witnessed her meteoric rise in music, the songs are danceably familiar.
Her first single was A Moment Like This, which broke The Beatles record for the biggest leap to No. 1, from 52, in the history of the Billboard Hot 100 Chart.
Other hits include Because of You, My Life Would Suck Without You, Since U Been Gone and Mr. Know It All, from her latest album.
When it comes to songs, Clarkson said she doesnt seek out the best writers, but rather, the best songs.
I dont care if its Joe Shmo or your sister or whoever it is. I just want! you to give me the best songs. Every time they kept saying, What are you looking for? Im like, Im looking for anything with a soul to it. It could be country-sounding, and well make it a bit more pop. It could be urban-sounding, and well make it a bit more pop. It could be anything you throw at me, but it has to have a cool message and it has to have a soul to it. I know that sounds cheesy, but its so important.
Kelly Clarkson, with Matt Nathanson, will appear at the Verizon Wireless Arena at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24. Tickets are $35.50-$55.50 and can be purchased at the Verizon Wireless Arena box office or through Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000.