Artist Kelly Clarkson

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Kelly Clarkson

Only the most annoying pop apologist would defend Kelly Clarkson’s output as a whole, but her voice is strong and rich, and she’s certainly done more with an American Idol crown than anyone else. There’s nothing quite like the magic of a mega-hit—especially one as undeniably excellent as the rock-inflected “Since U Been Gone,” which put her on the music map—and in the years following her breakout single, Clarkson has worked hard to churn out catchy songs and maintain her wild popularity. Her fourth album, this year’s All I Ever Wanted, has performed with an expected rate of success, offering the same chart-topping trajectory and easy radio picks as her previous releases.

Updated 09/30/2009