Kelly Clarkson

July 7

Clarkson’s Album and Career Prove to be a Breakaway Success

Kelly Clarkson, America’s first favorite Idol, is returning home to Texas to promote her wildly successful sophomore album, Breakaway, by stopping by The Theatre at the Frank Erwin Center on July 7 at 8PM. Although she is probably best known for surviving the criticisms of Simon Cowell on the first season of FOX’s American Idol, Clarkson has proven that she isn’t just another fame-craving reality television personality— she has genuine talent as a professional singer. Not only has Breakaway reached double-platinum status, but Clarkson is the top-selling female artist of the year to date and currently has two singles in the Top 10 on Billboard’s Pop 100 chart.

Clarkson has grown up a lot since her days living in Burleson, Texas, where she performed in school plays and the choir. After high school she moved to Hollywood with the hopes of becoming a star, but found little luck. Instead, she returned to Burleson where she worked as a cocktail waitress, but was constantly encouraged by family and friends to audition for American Idol. Finally in 2002, Kelly received the opportunity to showcase her vocal talents on a national stage when she outshined 10,000 aspiring singers and made it to the finals of American Idol. She performed live in front of 25 million viewers each week for 10 weeks, singing hits ranging from Aretha Franklin’s classics “Respect” and “Natural Woman” to adult contemporary soft rock favorites like Air Supply’s “Without You.” In September 2002, she was voted the first American Idol and was awarded a $1 million recording contract with RCA Records.

Following Idol, Kelly released her debut album, Thankful, and embarked on a seven week national tour with her fellow American Idol finalists. Her first single from Thankful, “A Moment Like This,” rose to number one on the Billboard charts within one week and was soon joined by other singles such as “Miss Independent” (originally written for Christina Aguilera), “Beautiful Disaster”, and “The Trouble With Love Is.” The latter was also featured in the 2003 movie Love Actually.

Since releasing Breakaway in 2004, Clarkson has all but shed herself of the label “American Idol,” and has instead established herself as a powerful solo artist. Her 35-city tour across both the United States and Canada is sure to feature current hits such as “Since U Been Gone,” and “Behind These Hazel Eyes,” along with hits from Thankful.

Tickets for Kelly Clarkson at The Theatre at the Frank Erwin Center Thursday, July 7 at 8PM are $29.50 and $39.50 and GO ON SALE Saturday, June 4 at 10AM at all Texas Box Office Outlets (includes H-E-B stores in Austin, Bastrop, Bee Caves, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Round Rock, and San Marcos; Ft. Hood Bldg. #136 and Renaissance Records in Killeen), charge-by-phone at 512/477-6060 or 1-800-982-2386 or order on-line at TexasBoxOffice.com. Convenience charges may apply. All information subject to change. The Frank Erwin Center is a smoke-free facility. Convenient parking is available within walking distance in nearby state and University lots. For more information, call 512/471-7744. uterwincenter.com.