Kelly Clarkson sings her heart out

Its been nearly 10 years since Kelly Clarkson first stepped in front of a microphone on American Idol.

Back then, she blew away the competition with her powerful voice and went on to become the winner of the first season. Over the past decade, Clarkson has demonstrated staying power and a knack for remaining true to herself.

Clarkson released her debut album, Thankful, in 2003, less than a year after her American Idol triumph, and the album soon went double platinum.

Since then, her star has continued to rise. In 2005, Clarkson won two Grammy Awards, both for performances from her second album, Breakaway, a disc that sold 5 million copies.

The singer, who will turn 30 in April, has recorded a string of songs that showcase her take-no-guff attitude from the men in her life, songs such as Miss Independent and Since U Been Gone.

Clarksons latest release, Stronger, continues that trend. Clarkson has said she was inspired by such artists as Tina Turner and Sheryl Crow when she was making the album, and it includes songs with titles including Mr. Know It All, What Doesnt Kill You (Stronger) and Let Me Down.