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 fifth album, Stronger, hit No. 2 on theBillboard charts when it was released in October 2011 and featured, on the deluxe edition, a version of Clarkson’s hit duet, “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” with country singer Jason Aldean.

Updated 03/01/2012