Millennials and Kelly Clarkson: Difference between pages

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[[Image:Kelly Clarkson 01.jpg|thumb|200px|Kelly Clarkson]]

'''Kelly Brianne Clarkson''' (born [[April 24]] [[1982]]) is an [[United States|American]] singer who won the first season of ''[[American Idol]]'' and has since gone on to have a successful recording career. She has had six Top-10 United States [[Single (music)|singles]], including three number-one radio hits from the same album (''Breakaway''), and both of her [[Album (music)|albums]] have entered the top five on the [[Billboard Top 200]] chart.

'''Generation Y''', sometimes called '''Generation Why?''', the "Echo Boom", or the '''Millennial Generation''', are terms used in [[demographics]] to describe a particular generational cohort in Western societies, specifically the United States. The cohort comprises those born in the [[1980s]] and [[1990s]], although no consensus has emerged specifying exact dates, which has made matters difficult and confusing for many people. Proposed start dates range from 1978 to 1985, and proposed end dates range from 1994 to 2002, making only 10 years out of the maximum 25-year threshold ''definitely'' Generation Y.

==Biography and music career==

Generation Y is sometimes considered a [[clone]] or protraction of [[Generation X]], because of the similar cultural traits (e.g. rap music, video game consoles) adopted by Generation Y, but this is possibly due to older generations dominating the marketing that attempts to reach and define this generation. As members of the generation move into adulthood, a more accurate picture and unique character is likely to emerge.

=== Early life ===

Clarkson was born in [[Fort Worth, Texas|Fort Worth]], [[Texas]] to Stephen Michael Clarkson and Jeanne Ann Rose. Her parents divorced when she was six years old, after which her brother went to live with their father, her sister with their aunt, and Clarkson with her mother. She eventually moved to [[Burleson, Texas]] after fourth grade. In middle school, she was overheard singing in a school corridor by a teacher, who invited her to join the school [[choir]]. Her participation in choral and musical activities spurred her interest in a recording [[career]] and, following her high school graduation, she relocated to [[Los Angeles, California]].

Clarkson worked as an extra on [[television]] (one such appearance was on ''[[Sabrina the Teenage Witch]]'') and worked briefly with songwriter [[Gerry Goffin]]. After her Los Angeles [[apartment]] burned down, however, she moved back to Texas, discouraged but still intent on a career in show business. She still managed some odd jobs such as cocktail waitress, [[Red Bull]] promo girl, and [[Telemarketing|telemarketer]].

__TOC__

=== ''American Idol'' competition ===

==Elusiveness of Definition==

[[Image:Kelly Clarkson.jpg|150px|thumb|right|Clarkson performing on ''Idol'']]

Clarkson auditioned for ''American Idol '' along with ten thousand other people in [[2002]]. Impressed by her performance, the panel of judges put her through to the next round. Upon landing a final thirty spot, Clarkson was praised by the judges for her rendition of [[Aretha Franklin]]'s "[[Respect (Aretha Franklin song)|Respect]]". She moved on to the final ten, receiving a number two spot in her group. Once in the top ten, Clarkson gradually moved into the position of competition favorite, performing songs such as [[Carole King]]'s "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" and [[Bette Midler]]'s "Stuff Like That There".

On [[September 4]] [[2002]], Clarkson won the competition, earning 58% of the audience vote over [[Justin Guarini]], who had previously been leading. As the newly crowned "American Idol", Clarkson performed the ballad "[[A Moment Like This]]". Clarkson, [[Clay Aiken]] of season two and [[Carrie Underwood]] of season four were the only contestants in ''American Idol'' history who succeeded in staying out of the bottom three places in weekly voting results. Clarkson and Underwood both went on to win the competition.

The nature of generations as a valid social phenomenon is somewhat disputed. Many claim that attempts to characterize large numbers of individuals is unfounded, but many others think that understanding the theories behind generations answers more questions than it raises. Popularized by authors [[Strauss_and_Howe|William Strauss and Neil Howe]], the concept of generations in general hinges significantly on their work.

Many labels have been attached to this generation, although none has been overwhelmingly accepted yet. Additionally, the term “Generation Y” is sometimes used to refer to the later half of Generation X, who exhibit distinct differences from the first wave, which further exacerbates the confusion surrounding the labeling of this generation. For the purposes of this article, we will use the term “Generation Y” to refer to those born in the United States in the 1980s and 1990s.

=== ''Idol'' recording career ===

The name "Newmils" is popular in the [[United Kingdom|UK]], as is the term "[[Margaret Thatcher|Thatcher]]'s Children". The term "echo" is most popular in [[Canada]], inspired by [[David K. Foot]] and [[Daniel Stoffman]]'s book ''[[Boom, Bust and Echo]]''. The Y in ''Generation Y'' comes from the name [[Generation X ]] sometimes given to the previous generation (Y immediately following X in the alphabet.) In the ''[[Generations (book)|Generations]]'' system of authors [[Strauss and Howe]], the Millennial Generation, as they call it, is the generation of [[United States|Americans]] born from [[1985]] to [[2005]]. However, alternate birth year groupings are widely available, based on criteria such as personal identification, fertility rates, and national events. In subsequent publications, Strauss and Howe have altered their boundary years as well.

[[Image:Kelly Clarkson Thankful.jpg|left|thumb|200px|''Thankful'' — [[April 15]] [[2003]]]]

In his book ''Growing Up Digital'', business strategist and psychologist Don Tapscott coined the term "Net Generation" for the group, pointing at the significance of being the first to grow up immersed in a digital- and Internet-driven world. However, they may be the last generation to appreciate its significance in changing the culture, as most of them can still recall now-obsolete items of the pre-digital era (typewriters, hand-drawn animation, and VHS tapes, for example). In addition, Generation Y members born in the early 1980s can still remember a time before widespread use of [[personal computer]]s, [[DVD player]]s, [[iPod]]s, [[cellphone]]s, [[TiVo]], digital cable, iBooks, and other now ubiquitous items.

On [[October 5]] [[2002]], Clarkson's first single, "A Moment Like This", broke the record for biggest jump on the charts when it jumped from number fifty-two to number one on the [[Billboard Hot 100]] chart. This broke the long-standing record set by [[The Beatles]] in [[1964]], when "[[Can't Buy Me Love]]" moved from number twenty-seven to number one. "A Moment Like This" was eventually certified gold, selling upwards of 500,000 copies.

Perhaps the best way to define the boundaries of this and other generations in the United States is by considering dominant national events. Events that shape national identity, while not completely explicative of all personality traits, can shed much light on broad characteristics of a generation. National events proposed as boundaries for Generation Y are the Challenger explosion (most members of this generation did not witness the tragedy in schools, were not aware it had happened, or were not born yet, in contrast to members of Generation X, who watched the takeoff—and the explosion—in the classroom). On the other end, the [[September 11th attacks]] are a proposed end-point for the generation; people who in 2001 were not yet born, or were too young to remember and/or understand what happened on that infamous day, would be grouped into [[Generation Z]], while people who were solidly rooted in adult life would be grouped into Generation X.

Her first [[Album (music)|album ]] ''[[Thankful]]'' was released by [[RCA Records]] on [[April 15]] [[2003]]. In May 2003 it was certified [[platinum record|double platinum]] by the [[Recording Industry Association of America|RIAA]]. ''Thankful'' also received good reviews, though critics said that much of her success could be credited to the commerciality of the music. Clarkson co-wrote four of the twelve songs on the album.

The very early years of the [[1980's]] are among the most debated and stratified for determining the boundaries of Generations X and Y, as various sources have placed people born from 1981-1985 as being either the tail-end of Generation X or the elders of Generation Y. A person born in [[1983]] can therefore have a difficult time cementing themselves in one specific generation as a result of this confusion. Furthermore, a person born in that year would have still been a 17-year-old 'Minor' at the psychologically important year [[2000]] but an 18-year-old 'Adult' by legal definition at the generation defining Terrorist attacks in [[2001]], putting further debate on start and end dates for the generational divide.

Songs from the album released as singles include "[[Low (song)|Low]]", which peaked at number fifty-eight in the US, and "[[The Trouble with Love Is]]", which was featured on the [[soundtrack]] of the 2004 film ''[[Love Actually]]''.

Clarkson starred with fellow ''American Idol'' contestant Justin Guarini in ''[[From Justin to Kelly]]'' which was released in the summer of [[2003 in film|2003]]. The film received weak reviews and was a [[box office bomb|box office disaster]]. Some critics named it one of the [[List of movies that have been cited as being among the worst ever made|worst movies ever made]]. The two stars revealed that their work in the film was stipulated in their ''Idol'' contracts.

Most [[Generation X]]'ers however, clearly do not believe that people born past [[1980]] belong in their circles, as these people would have been no older than Elementary-School age when the Gen-X defining rock bands [[Nirvana]] and [[Pearl Jam]] became popular in [[1991]]. This same thinking is what leads some people to dispute the fact that those born from 1958 to 1964 are Baby Boomers, since they would been too young to remember the [[Kennedy assassination]] as well as having been obviously too young to possibly have been drafted into the [[Vietnam War]] (though this is a minority view).

In September 2003, Clarkson appeared [[NBC]]'s ''[[American Dreams]]'' as [[Brenda Lee]], performing "Sweet Nothings".

==Generational Demographics==

Many in Generation Y are the children of [[Post-World War II baby boom|Baby Boom]]ers, and the generation is also known as the "Echo (Boom) generation," because it is, in some areas, the largest demographic grouping since the baby boom that immediately followed [[World War II]] (the U.S. birth rate per 1,000 population, however, declined for seven consecutive years starting in [[1991]] — the second longest such streak on record, exceeded only by the eleven-year [[Baby Busters|baby bust]] of [[1958]] through [[1968]]). Most parents of the members of Generation Y are from the [[Baby Boomers]] generation; significantly fewer parents are from [[Generation X]]. Their grandparents are mostly from the [[G.I. Generation]] and the [[Silent Generation]]. While the echo was much larger than the previous cohorts, except the Baby Boom, the relative size of this generation is much smaller that the Baby Boom. The American population was much larger in the [[1990s]] than in the [[1950s]] or [[1960s|'60s]]. From [[1946]] to [[1964]], the U.S. total fertility rate averaged 3.3 — high enough to double the population every two generations. Since [[1980]], it has averaged 1.9, which is below the so-called replacement rate. Families continued to get smaller than in previous decades, usually with only one or two children.

<table border="1" cellpadding="2" class="toccolours">

<caption>Americans Under Age 18</caption>

<tr><th>Year</th><th>Millions</th><th>Percent of Population</th></tr>

<tr><th>[[1950]]</th><td>47.3</td><td>31.1%</td></tr>

<tr><th>[[1960]]</th><td>64.5</td><td>35.7%</td></tr>

<tr><th>[[1970]]</th><td>69.8</td><td>34.0%</td></tr>

<tr><th>[[1980]]</th><td>63.7</td><td>28.0%</td></tr>

<tr><th>[[1990]]</th><td>64.2</td><td>25.7%</td></tr>

<tr><th>[[1998]]</th><td>69.8</td><td>25.9%</td></tr>

</table>

In December 2003, Clarkson participated in the ''[[World Idol]]'' competition. She placed second to Norwegian Idol winner [[Kurt Nilsen]].

Source: [http://www.concordcoalition.org/facing_facts/alert_v4_n8.html]

In [[Grammy Awards of 2004|2004]], Clarkson received a nomination for the [[Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance|Best Female Pop Vocal Performance]] [[Grammy Awards|Grammy]] for her edgy top-ten hit single "[[Miss Independent]]". It was co-written by [[Christina Aguilera]] and Clarkson.

Later in 2004, Clarkson embarked on the thirty-city "Independent Tour" with fellow ''Idol'' contestant [[Clay Aiken]].

==Generation Y in the United States==

=== Solo career established ===

Over 60 million people were born between [[1977]] and [[1993]] in the [[United States]] [http://www.businessweek.com/1999/99_07/b3616001.htm]. Some demographers define those years as constituting the large baby bulge of the late 20th century in that country, and define people born between those years as the "echo generation." Those numbers mark the echo as slightly smaller than the Baby Boom (72 million), but much larger than Generation X (Between 40 and 45 million). Birth rates in the United States peaked around 1989-90 and have dropped considerably since then, but remain higher than in the [[1960s]]&ndash;[[1970s|'70s]]. Most families with children in the 1980s and 90s had only a few kids, leading to smaller families than in previous generations, although this was merely the continuation of a trend that began earlier in the century.

[[Image:Breakaway.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''Breakaway'' &mdash; [[November 30]] [[2004]]]]

On [[November 30]] [[2004]], RCA Records released Clarkson's second album ''[[Breakaway (album)|Breakaway]]''. Entering the Billboard album chart at number three, ''Breakaway'' received praise from critics, who noted its harder, more [[rock and roll|rock]]-flavored edge, one that invited comparisons to [[Avril Lavigne]]. The album has also been characterized by Clarkson herself as being in the [[pop rock]] genre.

They were the first to grow up with the [[Internet]] in a developed, prolific form, including music downloads, [[instant messaging]] and [[cellular phones]]. The [[portmanteau]] "[[screenager]]" was coined in 1997 by [[Douglas Rushkoff]] in his book "Playing the Future" to describe this techno-savvy generation.

Clarkson took a more hands-on approach to creating ''Breakaway'', co-writing six of the eleven tracks in the process. Producers and fellow artists also helped Clarkson craft the album, some of which include [[Max Martin]] ("Since U Been Gone", "Behind These Hazel Eyes"), Avril Lavigne ("Breakaway"), and former [[Evanescence]] band members Ben Moody and David Hodges ("Because of You", "Addicted").

Characteristically, they are generally very tolerant towards [[multiculturalism]] and [[internationalism]]. It is also not uncommon for post-1970's born children to grow up dating people outside their own race or ethnic group, as well as having a wide range in friends. This growing trend towards [[Interracial]] relationships is unfortunately sometimes a source of negative friction between youth and their parents or elders.

''Breakaway's'' first four singles, "[[Breakaway (song)|Breakaway]]", "[[Since U Been Gone]]", "[[Behind These Hazel Eyes]]" and "[[Because of You (Kelly Clarkson song)|Because of You]]", have all received widespread airplay in several different radio formats and reached the [[Billboard Hot 100]] top-ten, peaking at number six, number two, number six and number seven, respectively. "Because of You" became ''Breakaway'''s third number one mainstream radio hit in the U.S. following "Breakaway" and "Since U Been Gone". The song is also currently ranked at number six in Canada and number 8 in the U.S..

Politically, the impact of Generation Y remains to be seen. Strauss and Howe posit that the generation is poised to inhabit the "Hero" generational archetype, and can be expected to exhibit characteristically civic predispositions. However, with most of the generation still in childhood and somewhat "micromanaged" by domineering Baby Boomer parents, as well as the vast diversity exhibited by the members of the generation, the collective potential for political dominance is uncertain.

On October 22, 2005, she became the first pop artist in five years to have four top 10 hits off one album.

==Generation Y elsewhere==

[[Image:Behind These Hazel Eyes.jpg|154px|thumb|left|"Behind These Hazel Eyes" CD single cover]]

In a strict sense, the term "Generation Y" and its variations can be said to refer only to the United States, but the close cultural connection between the U.S. and other Western countries has led to the term being used to describe any youth culture, even if the emerging generation does not bear any characteristic similarities to the United States version of "Generation Y" besides chronological birth years.

Industry experts noted that Clarkson had avoided the "sophomore slump", and that the artistic and commercial success of the album and its singles cemented Clarkson's place in the pop music industry, separate from the ''American Idol'' machine. ''Breakaway'' has proved to have staying power. Eleven months after its release, it has not left the top-twenty.

In many rich countries, the [[1980s]] and [[1990s]] were a period of rapidly falling birthrates. In Southern Europe and [[Japan]], and less markedly in Northern and Eastern Europe, Generation Y is dramatically smaller than any of its predecessors, and their childhood was marked by small families, both immediate and extended, small classes at school and school closure. In the [[Soviet Union]] during the 1980s, there was a "baby boom echo" similar to that in the United States, and Generation Y there is relatively large; however, birth rates fell through the floor in the 1990s to extremely low levels. This meant a lot of individual attention from parents in a period in which society was becoming intrinsically more [[risk]] averse.

In [[2005]] Clarkson was a musical guest on ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'' and acted in two sketches. Clarkson was also named by [[People (magazine)|Teen People Magazine]] as one of the "Hottest 25 Stars Under 25".

The child poverty rate was still relatively high in many Western countries throughout the [[1980s]] and [[1990s|'90s]].

By July 2005 Clarkson is the top-selling ''American Idol'' contestant and the only one having released two mainstream CDs. ''Breakaway'' has so far sold 3.9 million copies domestically (certified 4 times-platinum by the [[Recording Industry Association of America|RIAA]] on [[November]] [[2005]]).

The increasing stratification of wealth in many societies has led to an increase in the societal differences between poor and rich members of this generation. Although many middle class and wealthier families arrange many extra-curricular activities for their children, less affluent families cannot afford such extras, increasing the pressure on their own children. Since much of the generational character is tied to the prevalence of "extracurriculars," some feel that the description of the generation only applies to wealthy members.

In August, Clarkson won several [[Teen Choice Award|Teen Choice Awards]] and [[Video Music Awards|MTV Video Music Awards]].

In Eastern Europe, Generation Y is the first generation without mature memories of [[communism]] or dictatorship. In newly rich countries such as [[South Korea]] or [[Greece]], Generation Y has known nothing but [[developed world]] standards of living, while their grandparents often grew up in [[developing world]] conditions, causing considerable social changes and inter-generational difficulties as the young reject many traditional ways of life.

Despite having bronchitis, Clarkson appeared on ''ReAct Now: Music & Relief'', a live performance broadcast on [[Viacom]]'s networks MTV, VH1 and CMT on [[September 10]] [[2005]]. The program raised funds for the [[American Red Cross]] and the victims of [[Hurricane Katrina]]. Clarkson performed a cover of [[Ray LaMontagne]]'s "Shelter".

==Relationship with Other Living Generations==

== Personal life and persona ==

Some members of Generation Y are adverse to labels such as "The Echo Boom" or "Generation Y" because of demonstrated differences between their generation and "Boomers" or "Xers," which is why they prefer the term "Millennial Generation." "Millies," as they are called by proponents of generational theory, have very unique characteristics both as a generation and as individuals within the generation. They are enormously tolerant of differences in belief, creed, race, and lifestyle and feel comfortable exerting a large degree of individuality even while interacting with others who are very different.

Clarkson has a well-known conservative reputation, which is considered unusual by typical "Hollywood" standards. Clarkson's personal relationships are rarely outspoken, although some past love interests have sparked curiosity among fans and media outlets everywhere. While giving her acceptance speech for Best Female Video at the MTV Video Music Awards on [[August 28]], [[2005]], Clarkson briefly thanked her beau in the crowd, essentially confirming a rumor that she was in a new relationship. It's revealed later that her new beau is [[Graham Colton]], the lead singer of the Texas-based [[Graham Colton Band]], the opening band for her 2005 summer tour.

In contrast to the typical "Baby Boomer" attitude, Millies seek to reach consensus rather than to exert influence. Many Millies view the polarization between "[[Democrats]]" and "[[Republicans]]" to be prohibitive, and mostly take a [[moderate]] view. Even so, the Boom Generation and Generation Y share a strangely symbiotic relationship. Due to the cultural popularity of parenting during the period in which Generation Y was born, their Boomer parents created an atmosphere that focused on children and development to the extent that parents became intensely intertwined in their child's life. Even into college years, Boomer parents display an unprecedented control over their child's life, even going so far as to write their child’s college essays. At the same time, the generation will lament their kids "who can't do anything for themselves." Still, Generation Y is still largely a youth generation that is beholden to their parents for support, both monetary and emotional.

Clarkson is known for her bond with her fans, with whom she goes out of her way to meet and talk. Once on her ''Breakaway Tour'', she was sick after a show in [[Chicago]]. Instead of cancelling the meet-and-greet afterward, as many artists would do, she went through with it and even apologized to her fans for not being able to talk much to them.

Generation X plays a mentoring role to the younger Generation Y. Dominated by Baby Boomer parents and influence, the stereotypical Generation X attitude of withdrawal and cynicism seems refreshing and honest to members of Generation Y. Attracted to the "Xtreme" culture of Generation X, many members of Generation Y reject attempts to be sold artificially popularized trends, and exhibit highly individualized tastes.

Clarkson has also had her share of minor controversy, such as allegations that her work doing demos for a record company broke ''American Idol'' rules about not having a contract with a record company. However, she was cleared of all allegations, having only had a contract to do demonstration work. Later as what some saw as poor sportsmanship on her part during the ''World Idol'' competition when she realized she was not going to win; she would instead earn second place.

== Music and subcultures ==

According to a fall 2005 issue of Pop-Star, Clarkson has written a song called "Haunted" based on a real life experience. "But it's not about me," she says. "It's about a friend of mine. We went to high school together and she committed suicide about a year after we graduated. She was a very cool girl. It's always the people you'd never expect. I would have never thought that."

Responding to changing trends in market research, marketers sought to capture the attention and support of Generation Y by attempting to popularize wholesome, youth-oriented [[popular music]] in the mid-[[1990s]]. With the sudden popularity of [[boy band]]s and [[girl band]]s, [[pop music]] icons such as [[Britney Spears]] and the [[Backstreet Boys]] were often associated with the first wave of Generation Yers born in the early to mid 1980s. Bands like [[Linkin Park]] and [[Simple Plan]], while popular for several years, soon received much criticism from their own generation for being "sell-outs". This trend in “corporate acts” started around 1994 or 1995 and continued through 2002, but by 2003 it was met with slightly different tones as the bulk of Generation Y became the primary audience for new music. While pop music still dominated through the end of the nineties and into the new millennium, the preference for other, non-pop genres showed the diversity among members of Generation Y.

== Tours ==

The musical tastes of some Generation Y have fragmented into various [[counterculture|countercultures]], including "punks," "emo kids," "goths," "[[scene kids]]," etc. As usual, the subcultures have aligned themselves along musical lines, with some refusing to put on the aesthetic expression of counterculture, yet remaining significantly detached from the “mainstream.”

'''2002: The ''American Idol'' Tour'''

It is important to note that although many bands and acts attempt to engage Generation Y, there is little authentic representation of the generation in popular culture that is not engineered and marketed by older generations. This is a seldom articulated point of contention that may explain the generation's relative ambivalence to pop culture.

* 28-City U.S. Tour (October - November 2002)

** Two-month arena tour starring Kelly and the other ''American Idol'' finalists.

'''2004: The Independent Tour, co-headlining with Clay Aiken'''

* 30-City U.S. Tour (February - April 2004)

* The final show in [[St. Paul, Minnesota]] on April 16, 2004, featured the acoustic performance of a new song entitled "Don't", written by Clarkson and her band's lead guitarist Danny Weissfeld during the tour. "Don't" also became a part of the regular set list throughout the ''Breakaway'' tour, and is rumored to appear on Clarkson's third studio album.

'''2005: The ''Breakaway'' Spring Tour'''

* 35-City U.S. / Canada Tour (March&ndash;May 2005)

* The ''Breakaway'' Tour is Clarkson's most successful to date, selling-out the majority of venues in its 35-city run.

'''2005: The Hazel Eyes Summer Tour'''

* Dates are currently scheduled throughout the US and Canada, the forty-six-city tour ran from [[July 6]] opening in Lubbock, TX and ended in New York, NY on [[October 11]].

*The [[July 17]] [[Orlando, Florida]] concert was [[webcast]] live on [[AOL]]. A key thematic moment in her concerts is her rendition of [[Annie Lennox]]'s 1992 hit, "Why", which she introduces as her favorite song. The 70-minute show features frequent sing-alongs from the audience and expressions of gratitude from Clarkson. There are rock arrangements to most songs, with an [[a cappella]] "Beautiful Disaster" and a two-[[acoustic guitar]]-only shambolic "Breakaway".

*Due to popular demand, "Hear Me" was added to the tour set list after Clarkson was, as she put it, "hated on" during the ''Breakaway'' Tour for not performing this song at any of her shows.

* The Hazel Eyes Tour features a new song called "Come Here" which is, according to Clarkson, "probably going to be on the next record".

*Several venues were cancelled, due to Clarkson contracting bronchitis and walking pneumonia. She will return in December to finish up her Hazel Eyes Tour. Currently scheduled stops are in Texas, California, Nevada and Washington.

'''2005: The ''Breakaway'' World Tour'''

*In a June 2005 radio interview on [[Capital FM]] in London, Clarkson mentioned that she would begin planning a world tour that will visit Australia, Asia, and Europe, after finishing ''The Hazel Eyes Tour'' in the U.S.

*The ''Breakaway'' World Tour began on Friday [[November 4]], 2005, at the [[Challenge Stadium]] in [[Perth, Western Australia|Perth, Australia]]. Her final show in Australia and both New Zealand dates have been postponed due to vocal strain. This may affect her return to the United States to finish up her Hazel Eyes tour. She is scheduled to head to the British Isles beginning February 17th in Manchester, UK. New dates are announced regularly, but may be pushed back due to Clarkson's current sickness.

== Discography ==

=== Albums ===

* [[2003]]: ''[[Thankful]]'' &mdash; '''#1''' US (1 week, 2x Platinum); '''#1''' CAN (1 week, Platinum); #30 AUS (Gold); #52 UK

* [[2004]]: ''[[Breakaway (album)|Breakaway]]'' &mdash; #3 US (4x Platinum); #6 CAN (3x Platinum); #2 AUS (3x Platinum); #5 NZ (2x Platinum); #6 UK (Platinum); South Africa (Platinum); Ireland (Platinum); Singapore (Gold); Indonesia (Gold) - over 5.5 million worldwide

** ''[[Breakaway (album)|Breakaway]]'' was re-released in Australia on [[November 7]] [[2005]]. The re-release contains a second disc, including remixes, live tracks and music videos.

*** There has recently been talk of re-releasing ''[[Breakaway (album)|Breakaway]]'' in the United States. There have been several descriptions and several release dates from major retailers, and nothing has been confirmed as of yet by RCA or by Clarkson.

=== Singles ===

[[Image:Kelly Clarkson - A Moment Like This CD cover.jpg|150 px|thumb|right|"A Moment Like This"<br>CD single cover]]

*from ''Thankful''

** 2002: "[[A Moment Like This]]" &mdash; '''#1''' US (2 weeks;(US Certification: '''Gold'''); '''#1''' CAN (2 weeks; (CAN Certification: '''2x Platinum''')

*** Released in the US as a [[double A-side]] with "Before Your Love"

** 2003: "[[Miss Independent]]" &mdash; #9 (US Certification: '''Gold'''); #6 CAN; #6 UK; #3 AUS (Gold)

** 2003: "[[Low (song)|Low]]" &mdash; #58 US; #2 CAN; #11 AUS

** 2003: "[[The Trouble with Love Is]]" &mdash; #35 UK; #11 AUS

*** Released in the UK as a double A-side with "Low"

*from ''Breakaway''

** 2004: "[[Breakaway (song)|Breakaway]]" &mdash; #6 (US Certification: '''2x Platinum'''); #3 CAN; #10 (AUS Certification: '''Gold'''); #12 NZ

** 2004: "[[Since U Been Gone]]" &mdash; #2 (US Certification: '''4x Platinum'''); '''#1''' CAN (2 weeks); #5 UK; #3 (AUS Certification: '''Platinum'''); '''#1''' SA (3 weeks); #4 IRL; '''#1''' CHI; #6 GER; #11 NZ; #7 SWZ

** 2005: "[[Behind These Hazel Eyes]]" &mdash; #6 (US Certification: '''Platinum'''); #4 CAN; #9 UK; #6 AUS; #5 CHI; #16 SA

** 2005: "[[Because of You (Kelly Clarkson song)|Because of You]]" &mdash; #7 US; #5 CAN

== UK chart performance ==

Following the trend of several previous American artists, Clarkson's album dropped in the United States before hitting the United Kingdom as well as the rest of Europe, as success in the UK tends to reflect success in the rest of Europe.

Clarkson's first single released in the U.K. was "Miss Independent", which reached the top ten. However when she released her debut album, ''Thankful'', it did poorly on the charts, as did her singles "Low" and "The Trouble with Love Is". However she came back with "Since U Been Gone", which reached number five, and stayed a further eight weeks in the top ten. It is currently in the top fifty after nearly half a year. The second single, "Behind These Hazel Eyes," also reached the top ten, and is now in the top twenty.

Her second album, ''Breakaway'', reached number six, and is currently in the top ten; it has been certified platinum. Clarkson is the first American female to reach a peak that high since [[Britney Spears]]' ''Greatest Hits'' album. Clarkson has had more sucess than many other US female pop acts, and is currently the only American female to have a album in the top twenty.

She is tenth on the list of Christmas favorites, behind some of the U.K.'s biggest artists: [[Coldplay]], [[Robbie Williams]], [[Westlife]], [[Girls Aloud]], and [[Sugababes]].

==Videography==

*from ''Thankful''

{| class="wikitable"

|- bgcolor="#CCCCCC"

! Date !! Video !! Director !! [[Total Request Live|TRL]] Stats !! Notes

|-

| September 2002 || "Before Your Love" || Antti Jokinen || 13 days <br> (1 at #1) || Kelly's first official video, featured and world premiered on MTV's [[Making the Video]].

|-

| October 2002 || "A Moment Like This" || Antti Jokinen || 19 days <br> (1 at #1) || Features clips of Clarkson's winning moment on ''American Idol''.

|-

| May 2003 || "Miss Independent" || Liz Friedlander || 50 days <br> (14 at #1) || Nominated for [[MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist|Best New Artist in a Video]], [[MTV Video Music Award for Best Pop Video|Best Pop Video]], and [[MTV Video Music Award - Viewer's Choice|Viewer's Choice]] at the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards.

Clarkson's first video to be [[TRL retired videos|retired]] from the ''[[Total Request Live|TRL]]'' countdown.

|-

| August 2003 || "Low" || Antti Jokinen || 26 days <br> (4 at #1) || First video to feature Clarkson singing with a live band.

|-

| November 2003 || "The Trouble with Love Is" || Bryan Barber || 22 days <br> (0 at #1) || Soundtrack video for [[Love Actually|''Love Actually'']]

|}

*from ''Breakaway''

{| class="wikitable"

|- bgcolor="#CCCCCC"

! Date !! Video !! Director !! [[Total Request Live|TRL]] Stats !! [[VH1]] Stats !! Notes

|-

| July 2004 || "Breakaway" || Dave Meyers || 23 days <br> (0 at #1) || 7 weeks <br> (0 at #1) || Soundtrack video for [[The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement|''The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement'']]

|-

| November 2004 || "Since U Been Gone" || Alex De Rakoff || 43 days <br> (6 at #1) || 14 weeks <br> (1 at #1) || Won for [[MTV Video Music Award for Best Female Video|Best Female Video]] and [[MTV Video Music Award for Best Pop Video|Best Pop Video]] at the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards.

Video was produced by [[Santa Monica]]-based production company [http://www.fmrocks.com/ FM Rocks].

|-

| May 2005 || "Behind These Hazel Eyes" || Joseph Kahn || 50 days <br> (33 at #1) || 11 weeks <br> (0 at #1) ||

Clarkson is credited with writing the complete original [[Film treatment|treatment]] for the video,<br>which underwent very few edits and was happily executed by director Joseph Kahn.

The exterior forest scenes for "Behind These Hazel Eyes" were done in one of the largest indoor sets ever built for a music video.

All interior gothic cathedral scenes were filmed in Ontario, Canada.

Set a record on ''TRL'' for the most days at number one by a solo female artist.

Clarkson's second video to be retired from the TRL countdown, and also her first video to be retired internationally (TRL Poland).

|-

| September 2005 || "Because of You" || Vadim Perelman || 30 days <br> (19 at #1) || 6 Weeks<br> (3 at #1) || Filmed in Irvine, California.

The video "Because of You" marks the second time that Clarkson has submitted her own treatment for a video.

World Premiered on ''TRL'' on Monday, [[October 3]] [[2005]].

"Because of You" became Kelly's first video to debut at number one on ''TRL'', a feat accomplished only by a handful of artists.

Number one on Yahoo Music's Top 100 Videos

|}

==Filmography==

*2002: ''Issues 101'' - Crystal

*2003: ''[[From Justin to Kelly]]''

== Chart accomplishments ==

* Biggest jump to number one with "A Moment Like this" (from fifty-two). Broke the previous record held by [[The Beatles]] (from twenty-seven with "Can't Buy Me Love").

* First solo artist to hold number-one positions on two U.S. Billboard charts simultaneously with two different singles:

** "Breakaway" &mdash; number one, Adult Contemporary

** "Since U Been Gone" &mdash; number one, Top 40

* First artist to have two songs in the top three of the Billboard Pop Airplay 100 simultaneously, with "Since U Been Gone" and "Behind These Hazel Eyes".

* "Breakaway" was number one on the Adult Contemporary charts for twenty-one non-consecutive weeks (twenty of these being consecutive), tied for the longest run for a female artist with [[Céline Dion]] (Kelly's own idol) and her song "A New Day Has Come".

* "Since U Been Gone" is currently the song with the second most number of digital downloads ever with over 900.000 downloads. Only Gwen Stefani's "Hollaback Girl" has more digital downloads of over 1.000.000.

* The "Behind These Hazel Eyes" video currently holds the record of the longest number of days at #1 on TRL by a female artist.

* "Because Of You" debuted #1 on TRL. This feature has only been done by a handful of artists.

==Awards and nominations==

[[Image:kelly vma05.jpg|175px|thumb|right|Kelly accepting her award for Best Female Video at the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards]]

'''[[American Music Awards]]'''

* 2005: Nominated - Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist

* 2005: Nominated - Favorite Pop/Rock Album

* 2005: '''Won''' - Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist

* 2005: '''Won''' - T-Mobile Text-In Award (Artist of the Year) (''Voted by the fans, regardless of music genre'')

** '''The 2005 American Music Awards aired November 22, 2005 on [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]].'''

* 2003: Nominated - Best New Pop/Rock Artist

'''ASCAP Pop Music Awards'''

* 2004: '''Won''' - Song Writer Award (''Kelly Clarkson & Rhett Lawrence - Miss Independent'')

'''AOL Awards'''

* 2005: '''Won''' - Best Musical Buddy

* 2004: '''Won''' - Hottest Song (''The Trouble with Love Is'')

'''BDS Certified Spin Award'''

Several members of the Y Generation, disappointed by the overall poor quality of mainstream music and the dominance of hip-hop and pop, decide to embrace the music of the Baby Boomer Generation (classic Rock music from the 60’s and 70’s, such as The Beatles, the Who, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, etc.) and the alternative music of the X Generation (Nirvana, Rage Against the Machine, U2, R.E.M., etc.) rather than to buy into the current musical trends.

* 2003: '''Won''' - 50,000 Spins (''Low'')

'''[[Billboard Music Awards]]'''

==Current Problems and Trends Among This Generation==

* 2005: Nominated - Hot 100 Song Of The Year (''Since U Been Gone'')

* 2005: Nominated - Digital Song Of The Year (''Since U Been Gone'')

* 2005: Nominated - Artist Of The Year

** '''The 2005 Billboard Music Awards airs December 6, 2005 on [[Fox Broadcasting Company|FOX]].'''

* 2002: '''Won''' - Best Selling Single Of The Year (''A Moment Like This'')

'''[[Grammy awards|Grammy Awards]]'''

[[Alcoholism|Underage drinking]] is common among those in high school and college (US). Marijuana use is also quite high. [[Rave|Rave culture]] in particular is known for its use of [[ecstasy]] at [[electronic music]] parties.

* 2004: Nominated - Best Female Pop Vocal Performance (''Miss Independent'')

Many members of this generation are also quite sexually promiscuous: [http://partners.nytimes.com/books/first/w/wolfe-hooking.html hooking up] with random people at parties and engaging in [[Sexual morality|premarital sex]]. Conversely, other members of this generation, detecting this trend, have pledged abstinence or refrain from such activities purposefully, although this trend receives less media attention.

'''[[Video Music Awards|Latin Video Music Awards]]'''

==Firsts==

* 2005: Nominated - Best International Pop Artist

* 2005: Nominated - Best New International Artist

'''[[Video Music Awards|MTV Video Music Awards]]'''

=== Technology ===

* 2005: '''Won''' - Best Female Video (''Since U Been Gone'')

* 2005: '''Won''' - Best Pop Video (''Since U Been Gone'')

* 2005: Nominated - Viewer's Choice Award (''Since U Been Gone'')

* 2003: Nominated - Best New Artist In A Video (''Miss Independent'')

* 2003: Nominated - Best Pop Video (''Miss Independent'')

* 2003: Nominated - Viewer's Choice Award (''Miss Independent'')

'''New Music Weekly Awards'''

This generation was the first generation able to use the following technology from an early age:

* 2004: '''Won''' - Female Artist Of The Year

* 2004: '''Won''' - Top 40 Single Of The Year (''Miss Independent'')

'''Radio Music Awards'''

*Use the [[Internet]] in a more prolific and developed form.

* 2005: Nominated - Song of the Year/ Adult Hit Radio {''Breakaway'')

*Use [[personal computer|PC]]s with modern [[operating system]]s and [[graphical user interface|GUI]]s.

* 2005: Nominated - Song of the Year/ Mainstream Hit Radio {''Since U Been Gone and Behind These Hazel Eyes'')

*Experience prolific and sophisticated [[computer graphics]] in [[video games]], [[animated movies]] and [[television show]]s.

* 2005: Nominated - Artist of the Year/ Adult Hit Radio

*Use [[cellular phones]].

* 2005: Nominated - Artist of the Year / Mainstream Hit Radio

*Use [[instant messaging]].

** '''The 2005 Radio Music Awards air December 16, 2005

* 2003: Nominated - Song Of The Year / Top 40 Radio (''Miss Independent'')

* 2003: Nominated - Best Driving Song

'''[[Teen Choice Awards]]'''

=== Culture ===

* 2005: '''Won''' - Choice Album (''Breakaway'')

* 2005: '''Won''' - Choice Summer Song (''Behind These Hazel Eyes'')

* 2005: '''Won''' - Choice Single (''Since U Been Gone'')

* 2005: '''Won''' - Choice Female Artist

* 2003: '''Won''' - Choice Female Music Artist

* 2003: Nominated - Choice Summer Movie (''From Justin To Kelly'')

* 2003: Nominated - Choice Summer Song (''Miss Independent'')

* 2003: Nominated - Choice Crossover Artist

* 2003: Nominated - Choice Breakout Artist

* 2003: Nominated - Choice Breakout Movie Star, Female

* 2003: Nominated - Choice Chemistry (''From Justin To Kelly'')

* 2003: Nominated - Choice Love Song (''A Moment Like This'')

'''[[World Music Awards]]'''

This generation was also the first to experience:

* 2005: Nominated - World's Best-Selling Pop Female Artist

* 2003: Nominated - Best New Female Artist

== External links ==

*The effects of the [[September 11, 2001 attacks]], the [[War on Terrorism]].

*Birth as a [[crack baby]], primarily those born between 1984 to 1989 when the [[Crack cocaine|crack epidemic]] was at its peak.

*Being born [[HIV positive]].

*The death of parents from [[AIDS]].

*[http://www.kellyclarksonweb.com/ The Official Homepage of Kelly Clarkson]

== See also ==

*[http://www.kellyclarksonuk.com/ The Official UK Homepage of Kelly Clarkson]

* [[List of Generation Yers]]

*[http://www.kellyclarkson.com/ The Official Fan Club of Kelly Clarkson]

* [[iGeneration]]

*{{imdb name|id=1225628|name=Kelly Clarkson}}

N Howe and W Strauss. ''Millennials Rising: The Next Great Generation.''

*{{nndb name|id=658/000045523|name=Kelly Clarkson}}

{{start box}}

{{succession box|title= ''[[American Idol]]'' Winners|before=''None''|after=[[Ruben Studdard]]|years=Season 1 (2002)}}

{{succession box |

before = [[Generation X]] |

title = Generation Y |

years = |

after = [[Generation Z]]?

}}

{{end box}}

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