When you’re a down South hometown girl, breaking into the music industry is not the easiest thing to do. But in the case of Kelly Clarkson, all it took was a lucky break courtesy of a breakthrough reality-based show to make it big and take America over. On the first season of the hit show American Idol on FOX, Kelly Clarkson broke through the competition and eventually won the whole prize, which was voted upon by the American viewing public. Due to her immense popularity, Clarkson’s first full-length album, Thankful, eventually went triple-platinum and garnered her an instant star in the world of music. Suddenly, the girl with the Southern accent went from Idol participator to idol in the world of music.

Since breaking onto the scene and winning Idol, Kelly Clarkson has launched a slew of hits that have also turned her into a household name. Most recently, Clarkson’s hit song “Since You’ve Been Gone,” served as the closing act of MTV’s 2005 Video Music Awards. Clarkson also garnered a slew of awards courtesy of her hit song at the awards, just as she has done at other awards shows. However, she has also continued her critical success at the same time with her second disc, Breakaway, receiving high marks from multiple music magazines. The music of Kelly Clarkson has transcended FOX and American Idol, and she now holds a place in music’s history.

As she prepares to dive headfirst into a third album, many people are still puzzled over how a talent show winner essentially has taken over the world of music. Clarkson has remained humble throughout her short career thus far and has consistently put out quality music to match her personality. It speaks volumes to those looking to skip over the hear-today, gone-tomorrow pop acts of several years ago. Her music continues to touch the lives of people months after it has been released. This is one Idol that won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.