Kelly may refer to:

People

Kelly (given name), an English-language unisex given name

Kelly (surname), an English-language surname

Clan Kelly, a Scottish clan

The Kelly Family, an Irish-American-European music group

Kelly (musician), a character portrayed by Liam Kyle Sullivan

Places

;Australia

Kelly Basin, Tasmania

;Azerbaijan

Kollu, Dashkasan

;United States

Kelly, California

Kelly, Kentucky, a community in Christian County

Kelly, North Carolina

Kelly, Wisconsin

Kelly, Wyoming

Kelly Township, Union County, Pennsylvania

Other uses

''Kelly'' (musical), 1965 musical by Mark Charlap

Kelly (School house), located at Marist College North Shore

Kelly (TV series), Australian TV series

''Kelly Kelly'' (TV series), 1998 U.S. sitcom on The WB Television Network

Kelly criterion, a mathematical way to balance risks

Kelly drive, part of a drilling rig

Kelly forceps, type of hemostat

Kelly tool, used in fire and rescue services for forcible entry

Kelly green, color shade

Kelly Services, employment agency

Jackson Kelly, electric guitar series

See also

Kelley (disambiguation)

*Kelley Blue Book

Kelli (disambiguation)

Earls of Kellie, Scottish peers

Kellyville (disambiguation)

cs:Kelly (příjmení) de:Kelly fr:Kelly lv:Kellijs nl:Kelly pl:Kelly pt:Kelly ru:Келли fi:Kelly

name	Liam Kyle Sullivan
birth date	July 17, 1973
birth place	Norfolk, Massachusetts United States
nationality	American
years active	2000–present
known for	Comedy
website	LiamShow.com
web alias	liamkylesullivan
web host service	YouTube, MySpace
meme	Kelly, "Muffins"
signature phrase	}}

}} Liam Kyle Sullivan (born July 17, 1973 in Norfolk, Massachusetts) is an American comedian, actor, and director and went to King Philip Regional High School. Sullivan has made several guest appearances on television programs—including ''Gilmore Girls'', ''8 Simple Rules'', and ''Alias''—but is best known for his internet videos. He won a 2008 People's Choice Award in the user generated video category for "Shoes".

He starred in the VH1 series ''I Hate My 30's''.

More recently, Sullivan appeared as Kelly in the FCKH8, anti-gay bullying campaign videos.

Skits

Characters portrayed by Sullivan

Kelly is a stereotypical blonde teenage American girl. She doesn't care about much besides her mundane desires and often has intense (even violent) mood swings. She is also a musician, and it is implied that the family is aware of the music videos. Chris is Kelly's twin brother. He's an athlete who has joined the abstinence program, and has a well known sibling rivalry with Kelly. Their parents prefer him over Kelly.

Mother Grandma is an affectionate, anxious old lady who is fond of whiskey and tries to share it with everyone because she believes it "makes you feel better". She appears to be tipsy most of the time and is known to make non sequitur comments. There is a bit of tension between her and the parents, and the two utter negative remarks about each other under their breaths. She has her own set of spin-off videos.

Bill is Kelly's father. Strict and often stern-faced, he doesn't say much, but likes to stay in charge of the family and set the rules, and is a strong believer in "fiscal responsibility".

Aunt Susan Walker is a lesbian musician. She likes to stay positive and is involved with a woman named María. She is involved with an organic vegan girl-on-girl sandwich tour. She also has her own set of spin-off videos.

Characters not portrayed by Sullivan

Kathy (played by Pam Cook) is usually tense and critical. Like Kelly, she also has sharp mood swings, although not as violent. She is not fond of Mother Grandma. Heather referred to her as "Ms. B" in "Txt Msg Brkup".

Purple Man (played by Scott Pitts) is a reoccurring "superman" character in each of the videos. He also has his own separate spin-off videos.

Heather Campbell (played by Megahn Perry) is Kelly's best friend. She and her father claim to be vampires. She has her own Vlog which she makes in the room where her father is constantly watching television. She is eternally sixteen years old, has a brother, and is embarrassed by her father's inappropriate comments about sex.

Neal (played by Will Matthews) is Kelly's ex-boyfriend. He is unemployed, unintelligent, and is an alcoholic. In "Txt Msg Brkup", Mother Grandma mentions that he "comes around looking for sex".

María is Aunt Susan's lesbian partner who stays with Kelly's family in "Let Me Borrow That Top". She doesn't understand English very much and speaks mostly Spanish, much to the dislike of Kelly's mother.

Caitlin (played by Jill Ritchie) is Kelly's old friend and neighbor in "Let Me Borrow That Top". She is a cheerleader and the Homecoming Queen. She bought a top with a picture of Kelly's mother on it wearing a birthday hat saying "''Whore.''"

Guest cameos

Dave Navarro, mall tattooer ("Let Me Borrow That Top")

Margaret Cho, friend of Kelly's ("Shoes", "Txt Msg Brkup", "Let Me Borrow That Top")

Amanda Palmer "Let Me Borrow That Top"

''Ask a Ninja'' as a ninja ("Let Me Borrow That Top")

Ben Donovan, as Kelly's new love interest ("No Booty Calls")

Will Matthews, Kelly's boyfriend and eventual ex-boyfriend Neal ("Txt Msg Brkup", "Let Me Borrow That Top", "No Booty Calls")

Rocket, band featured in "Let Me Borrow That Top"

Jill Ritchie, Kelly's old friend and eventual enemy Caitlin ("Let Me Borrow That Top")

LisaNova, friend of Kelly's ("Let Me Borrow That Top")

Ilana Cohn "Let Me Borrow That Top"

Jennifer Dohn "I Like to Tinker"

Kandis Erickson "I Like to Tinker"

Kristin Erickson "I Like to Tinker"

Jo-Anne Krupa "I Like to Tinker"

Alyshia Ochse "I Like to Tinker

Emily Peck "I Like to Tinker"

Jennifeer Ross "I Like to Tinker"

Ilana Sullivan "I Like to Tinker"

Mark Kelly "Man's Game"

Jeff Schuetze "Man's Game"

Breanna Pine "Man's Game"

Stephanie Barnes "Man's Game"

James Mathis III "Man's Game"

Alex Fox "Man's Game"

David Fickas "Man's Game"

Kelly, Susan Walker and other characters

Name	Kelly
Background	solo_singer
Origin	Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Genre	Electroclash, electronic rock, hardcore rap, dirty comedy, rap punk
Years active	2006–present
Label	TuneCoreGalleria
Current members	Liam Kyle Sullivan }}

Kelly, a cross-dressed Liam, has released an album entitled ''Shoes'' digitally through TuneCore and on rare CDs by Susan Walker's label Galleria Records, which consists of tracks recorded by herself, her ex-boyfriend, and her mom. "Shoes" is also the name of Kelly's biggest hit, which won a People's Choice Award for best user generated video. Her music videos have featured guest stars such as Margaret Cho, Amanda Palmer, Dave Navarro, Lisa Nova, and the Ask a Ninja.

Another of Liam's characters, Susan Walker, who is Kelly's aunt, has also released an album of music, ''Susan Walker's Greatest Tits''. The album largely consists of country music songs with explicit sexual themes, such as "Two Way Dildo" and "Shut Up and Fuck Me". The songs, however, are sung in a light-hearted, almost loving manner. Two videos have been made of songs from the album; these are "I Like to Tinker" and "Shut Up and Fuck Me". However, these songs and videos have not received the acclaim nor the large amount of views that Kelly's videos have.

The other videos listed below, "Dr. Ulee Sex Therapist", "Muffins", and "Love Letters", are all separate individual skits by Sullivan.

Discography

Albums

''Shoes'' (2006)

''Susan Walker's Greatest Tits'' (2009)

Music videos

Liam Kyle has uploaded and deleted the music videos several times, so it is somewhat unclear what year and further, (although not shown here) what month they were released in, which also confuses the order and the amount of views they have received. Other YouTube users have also uploaded the videos and received, in some cases, millions of views on the videos as well. {|class="wikitable" !Year !width="200"|Title !Notes |- |rowspan="2"|2006 |"Shoes" |Has received over 40 million views on YouTube to date. |- |"Txt Msg Brkup" |First appearance of Kelly's boyfriend. |- |2007 |"Let Me Borrow That Top" |First appearance of Aunt Susan. |- |rowspan="2"|2008 |"No Booty Calls" |'Sequel' to "Txt Msg Brkup". |- |"Where Do You Think You're Going in That?" |Skit by Kelly's Mom. |- |rowspan="3"|2009 |"What R U Guys Talking About?" |Also released under the title "Kelly: The Prequel". |- |"I Like to Tinker" |First Aunt Susan video released. |- |"Shut Up and F*ck Me" |Second Aunt Susan video released. |- |}

Other videos

"Love Letters" (2006)

"Muffins" (2006)

"Dr. Ulee Sex Therapist" (2009; Counterpart to the single "Dr. Ulee's Erotic Stories" read by Shang Tze Tung, released earlier in 2008.)

Other appearances

In 1997, Sullivan briefly appeared in a ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer'' episode entitled "Reptile Boy" as a cross-dressing fraternity pledge.

In 2004, he appeared in the ''8 Simple Rules'' episode "Mall in the Family" as Zack.

In 2005, he appeared in the ''8 Simple Rules'' episode "Freaky Friday" as Dorkie Dwaine McDoogle.

In 2007, Sullivan appeared as Kelly in The Dresden Dolls' music video for "Shores of California".

He also appeared as Kelly in the VH1 series ''I Hate My 30's'', performing "Forget It, Just Get It!".

In 2008, Sullivan appeared as Kelly in the Weezer music video for "Pork and Beans", which also featured many other internet stars.

He appeared at the LOGO Network's NewNowNext Awards in 2008 portraying Kelly.

He opened for Margaret Cho's "Beautiful" Tour throughout 2008, playing Kelly and several of his other characters.

In 2010, his song, "My Romantic Pattern", plays out the season 1 episode "One Cold Swim Away" of the comedy drama "Gravity".

References

Trivia

Kelly is an anagram of Liam Kyle Sullivan. "Liam Kyle Sullivan" can be rearranged to spell "I am Kelly Sullivan".

Liam Kyle Sullivan attended Clark University in Worcester, MA.

External links

Official site

Official YouTube page

Liam Kyle Sullivan on the imdb Retrieved March 15, 2008

Kelly's Official MySpace

Category:1973 births Category:Internet memes Category:Living people Category:People from Boston, Massachusetts

he:ליאם קייל סאליבן ja:リアム・カイル・サリヴァン

name	Kelly Clarkson
background	solo_singer
birth name	Kelly Brianne Clarkson
background	solo_singer
birth date	April 24, 1982
birth place	Fort Worth, Texas
origin	Burleson, Texas, United States
genre	Pop rock, pop
occupation	Singer-songwriter, record producer, actress
instrument	Vocals
years active	2002–present
label	RCA/19
associated acts	Reba McEntire
website	}}

Kelly Brianne Clarkson (born April 24, 1982) is an American singer, songwriter and actress. Clarkson came into prominence after becoming the winner of the inaugural season of the television series ''American Idol: The Search for a Superstar'' in 2002 and would later become the runner-up in the television special ''World Idol'' in 2003.

In 2003, Clarkson released her debut album, ''Thankful'', which was a commercial success and established herself in the pop music industry. The release of its first single, "A Moment Like This" (2002), broke The Beatles' record for the biggest leap to number one, from 52, in the history of the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 chart. After parting ways with her management, Clarkson developed a more rock-oriented music with the release of her critically acclaimed sophomore album, ''Breakaway'' (2004), which sold more than 12 million copies worldwide and which garnered Clarkson more worldwide success as a pop rock artist. The album's single, "Because of You" (2005), became the best-selling single by an ''Idol'' contestant worldwide. In 2007, Clarkson took full creative control for her third album ''My December'', which had had a more rock-inspired sound and was met with controversy and moderate success. Clarkson later returned to a more pop-oriented sound with ''All I Ever Wanted'' (2009), which became a commercial and critical success. The album's lead single, "My Life Would Suck Without You" (2009), currently holds the record for biggest leap to number one on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 Chart, breaking her own record of "A Moment Like This" as well as earning her first number-one single in the United Kingdom. Clarkson's fifth studio album, ''Stronger'', was released on October 24, 2011, preceded by the international hit single, "Mr. Know It All".

In a career spanning a decade, Clarkson has become the most successful ''Idol'' contestant around the world, with over 24 million albums and 37 milion singles worldwide, according to ''Billboard'' and Nielsen SoundScan. Clarkson's work also gained her numerous accolades, including two Grammy Awards, three MTV Video Music Awards, twelve Billboard Music Awards, four American Music Awards and a Women's World Award. ''Billboard'' also ranked Clarkson the number fourteen artist of the 2000s, as well as being also ranked on the top 200 album sellers of the Nielsen SoundScan era at number 187.

Early life

Clarkson was born in Fort Worth, Texas, and grew up in the small town of Burleson, a suburb of Fort Worth. She is the third and youngest child of Jeanne Rose, a first grade English teacher of Greek descent and Stephen Michael Clarkson, a former engineer of English descent.

Clarkson's siblings include her older brother and sister, Jason and Alyssa. When Clarkson was six years old, her parents divorced after seventeen years of marriage. The family settled in Burleson, where Clarkson's mother married her second husband, Jimmy Taylor.

Clarkson's family struggled financially, and after her parents divorced, music became her refuge. Clarkson attended Pauline G Hughes Middle School and Burleson High School. She wanted to become a marine biologist but changed her mind after seeing the movie ''Jaws''. In seventh grade, a teacher (Mrs. Cynthia Glenn) overheard her singing in a hallway and asked her to audition for the school choir; Clarkson told the teacher that she had never received professional vocal training.

In high school, Clarkson performed in musicals such as ''Annie Get Your Gun'', ''Seven Brides for Seven Brothers'' and ''Brigadoon''. She sang at her high school talent show, after which an audience member shared some inspiring words with her: "God has given you this gift. You've got to sing. You're destined to sing." Clarkson continued singing and soon started classical training, hoping that music would be her ticket to a college scholarship.

Upon high school graduation, Clarkson was offered full scholarships to The University of Texas at Austin, University of North Texas, and Berklee, but decided against college because she had "already written so much music and wanted to try it on her own," and she figured "you're never too old to go to college." Clarkson later turned down two recording contracts from Jive Records and Interscope Records in the late 1990s, stating "They would have completely pigeonholed me as a bubblegum act. I was confident enough that something better would come along." She went to Los Angeles late 2001 to pursue a career in music, but worked as a waitress and appeared as an extra in such shows as ''Sabrina, the Teenage Witch'' and ''Dharma & Greg'' to support herself. She worked with songwriters such as Gerry Goffin and recorded five tracks between January and March 2002 to try to get a record deal, but returned to Texas after four months in Los Angeles.

Music career

2002–03: ''American Idol: The Search for a Superstar'' and ''World Idol''

Clarkson auditioned for the first season of ''American Idol'' (under the full title ''American Idol: The Search for a Superstar'') in May 2002. She subsequently won the competition on September 4, 2002, earning 58% of the vote to 42% for runner-up Justin Guarini. Choking back tears, Clarkson performed the ballad "A Moment Like This", the song written for the winner of ''American Idol'', which would subsequently appear on her debut album, ''Thankful''. When released as a single in October 2002, it set a record on the U.S. ''Billboard'' Hot 100 chart when it rose from number 52 to number one. This achievement was largely due to the impact from ''Idol'' as the CD single managed to sell 236,000 copies in its first week of sales in the U.S.; it spent five weeks at number one in Canada.

''American Idol'' season 1 performances and results

{|class="wikitable" |- !Week # !Theme !Song choice !Original artist !Order # !Result |- |Audition |Dallas |"Express Yourself" "At Last" |MadonnaEtta James |rowspan="4"|N/A |rowspan="5"|Advanced |- |Top 121 |Hollywood round 1 |"Respect" |Otis Redding |- |Top 65 |Hollywood round 2 |"I Say a Little Prayer" |Dionne Warwick |- |Top 45 |Hollywood round 3 |"Save The Best For Last" |Vanessa L. Williams |- |Top 30 |Semifinal/Group 2 |"Respect" |Otis Redding |9 |- |Top 10 |Motown |"You're All I Need to Get By" ||Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell |8 |rowspan="7"|Safe |- |Top 8 |1960s |"(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" |Aretha Franklin |rowspan="2"|5 |- |Top 7 |1970s |"Don't Play That Song (You Lied)" |Ben E. King |- |Top 6 |Big Band |"Stuff Like That There" |Betty Hutton |6 |- |Top 5 |Burt Bacharach Love Songs |"Walk On By" |Dionne Warwick |1 |- |Top 4 |1980s1990s |"It's Raining Men""I Surrender" |The Weather GirlsCeline Dion |37 |- |Top 3 |Judges' ChoiceIdol's Choice |"Without You""Think Twice" |BadfingerCeline Dion |36 |- |Top 2 |Finale |"A Moment Like This""Respect""Before Your Love" |Kelly ClarksonOtis ReddingKelly Clarkson |246 |Winner |}

''World Idol'' performance and results

9

Song choice !! Germany !! Australia !! Pan-Arabia !! Canada !! Netherlands !! South Africa !! Poland !! USA !! Belgium !! UK !! Norway !! Total !! Result
"(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman"	9	|	5	9	9	8	8	12	9	9	10	97	Runner-up

In December 2003, a competition titled ''World Idol'' was held at the ''Pop Idol'' stage in London, gathering the winners of the first seasons of ''Idol series'' around the world. Clarkson was contractually obligated to participate, and placed second behind ''Norwegian Idol'' Kurt Nilsen. She performed Aretha Franklin's "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman". She left immediately after the competition, later explaining to fans that she was not feeling well.

2003–04: ''Thankful''

Shortly after the completion of the first season of ''American Idol'', Clarkson was signed to RCA Records by Clive Davis and Simon Fuller. In 2003, Clarkson was later accused of working with a record company prior to winning ''American Idol''. ''American Idol'''s rules stated that a contestant was not allowed to compete on the program if they had been linked to a record company. However, she was cleared of all allegations, as she only had a contract in order to conduct demonstration work.

Following the release of "A Moment Like This", Clarkson's full-length debut album ''Thankful'' was released in North America by RCA Records on April 15, 2003 with several singers and songwriters including Christina Aguilera, Diane Warren and Babyface contributing on the tracks. It debuted at number one on the U.S. ''Billboard'' 200. To promote the album, Clarkson appeared on various episodes of ''American Idol'' in 2003. In October that year she performed in Australia at the 2003 NRL grand final. "A Moment Like This" was certified double platinum by the RIAA for sales of two million copies on December 8, 2003 and platinum by the CRIA for sales of 100,000 copies on February 10, 2004. ''Thankful'' peaked at number 41 on the UK albums chart and at number 33 on the Australian albums chart.

Reviews for the album were generally favorable. However, several critics noted that her early achievement was established due to her performances on ''American Idol''. ''Allmusic'' critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine praised the album for its vocal ability: "throughout this record, [Clarkson] makes it seem effortless and charming. She can croon, she can belt out a song, she can be sexy and sassy while still being graceful and as wholesome as the girl next door". Rachel Kipp of ''JS Online'' criticized Clarkson for not having the same personality on ''Thankful'' that she had on ''American Idol'', and wrote: "on ''American Idol'', Clarkson showcased a great voice and an endearing, 'aw-shucks' personality. That personality is missing on ''Thankful'', and there lies the album's greatest fault". Kipp blamed the producers behind the album for not allowing Clarkson to be herself. Clarkson covered Danielle Brisebois' "Just Missed the Train" on the album.

"Miss Independent" was released as the second single from ''Thankful''. It reached the top ten of the U.S. and Canadian singles charts, and earned Clarkson a 2004 Grammy Award nomination for "Best Female Pop Vocal Performance". When the single was released in the United Kingdom and Australia, it reached the top ten of the charts. "Low", the third single from ''Thankful'', reached number two in Canada, but it was unable to make the top 40 of the US chart. The final single, "The Trouble with Love Is", was released as a promotional single for the British romantic film ''Love Actually'' and failed to chart in the United States, she then promoted the song on ''Pop Idol'' in 2003.

2004–06: ''Breakaway''

Distancing herself from her ''American Idol'' image, Clarkson parted ways with 19 Entertainment and took more creative control with her second studio album ''Breakaway'', to develop a more rock-oriented image. Clarkson co-wrote six of the songs with songwriters such as former Evanescence band members Ben Moody, David Hodges and producer Max Martin; the title track was co-written by punk-pop singer Avril Lavigne.

''Breakaway'' was released by RCA Records on November 30, 2004. The album debuted within the U.S. top five and Canadian top ten, but sales were initially low in comparison to ''Thankful''. The singles from ''Breakaway'' were very successful, and the album become only the fourth album in history to stay in the ''Billboard'' 200 top 20 for a consecutive year, as well as being certified six times platinum in the U.S. in late 2007 and five times platinum in Canada in May 2006. With worldwide sales of over 12 million copies, ''Breakaway'' is the most successful album by an Idol.

''Breakaway'' received different responses from critics; ''Rolling Stone'' commented that "on Kelly Clarkson's second album, ... she embraces her rock side rather than the pop pageantry that put her on top of the ''American Idol'' heap". ''TeenInk'' noted the strength of her vocals on ''Breakaway'', and praised the change from pop music to contemporary rock: "[Clarkson] retains the incredible power and beauty of her voice while switching to rock". ''Stylus'' magazine also enjoyed Clarkson's foray into rock music, however, she was called out because of her ''American Idol'' image, which reviewer Charles Merwin believed she had yet to lose. He praised the non-singles and wrote that they "maintain a quality high". ''Allmusic'' called the album "a nice, low-key relief". "Breakaway" served as the original song for ''The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement'' (2004) and achieved considerable success across the world; it became Clarkson's third top-ten single in the U.S. and fourth top-ten single in Canada. It reached number ten in Australia, and number 22 in the UK. The second single, "Since U Been Gone", which was produced by Max Martin, became the most successful release from the album. It reached number two in the U.S. and the top five across the world. It also earned Clarkson her first Grammy Award for "Best Female Pop Vocal Performance"; she won a second award for "Best Pop Vocal Album".

The third and fourth single releases, "Behind These Hazel Eyes" and "Because of You", also followed with chart success. The video for "Because of You" won the 2006 MTV Video Music Award for Best Female Video, her second consecutive win in that category (following "Since U Been Gone"). Clarkson was the most-played artist of 2006 on American radio, despite releasing only one single in the entire year, "Walk Away" (the fifth single from ''Breakaway''). She was also the most radio-broadcasted artist of 2006 in Australia and "Because of You" was the third most broadcast song of the same year, despite being released in 2005.

In 2005, Clarkson made a performance during the 2005 NBA All-Star Weekend as part of the festivities leading up to the All-Star Game. Later that year, she performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Game 2 of the NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and Detroit Pistons She also performed that spring as part of the 2005 NCAA Final Four festivities in St. Louis, Missouri.

Clarkson performed during the festivities of the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy. In mid 2006, Clarkson lent Ford Motor Co. a song titled "Go", written by Clarkson and Rhett Lawrence ("Miss Independent"). The song was used in the company's advertising campaign in 2006, "Bold Moves" and the song, along with its music video, was made available free at Ford's ''AddictedtoKelly.com'' website (now defunct).

2006–08: ''My December''

During her tour in Europe in 2006, Clarkson began writing songs for her third album, ''My December''. The first single from ''My December'' was "Never Again", which peaked on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 at number eight. Clarkson released "Sober" as the second single. She returned to ''American Idol'' for the season 6 finale, performing "Never Again" and "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" with Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry during a Beatles medley.

Clarkson parted with her management, The Firm, in June 2007, amid low radio airplay for "Never Again" and low ticket sales for her then-upcoming tour. Clarkson would then sign with Starstruck Entertainment, run by Narvel Blackstock — the husband of Reba McEntire – on July 2, 2007. The same month, Live Nation announced that the tour—her first nationwide arena tour—had been canceled due to underwhelming ticket sales, to be rescheduled after the release of the ''My December'' album at smaller, more intimate concert environments. Clarkson reinstated plans to tour the U.S. during 2007, with a much smaller tour than the one she canceled in June. She began her My December Tour in October 2007 in venues significantly smaller than those previously booked. The August 2007 issue of ''Blender'' included a feature on Clarkson and her new album, as well as her music label woes.

''My December'' was released in the U.S. on June 26, 2007. The album debuted at number two in the U.S. with 291,000 albums sold, a slightly higher debut than Clarkson's previous album, ''Breakaway'', which debuted at number three. In Canada, the album was awarded a platinum certification for shipments of more than 100,000 copies. ''My December'' was certified platinum in December 2007 by the RIAA. It has sold more than three million copies worldwide.

In April 2007, Clarkson appeared on the ''American Idol'' ''Idol Gives Back'' charity show aimed at raising money for tackling poverty, hunger and AIDS in Africa, as well as the Hurricane Katrina appeal. Clarkson noted that she was in a dispute with her record label bosses and executives as to which song to perform for the event. Clarkson refused to perform her new single "Never Again" viewing it as simple self-promotion through a charitable event. She is quoted as saying,

She opted to perform Patty Griffin's "Up to the Mountain". After the performance, the audience who watched Clarkson perform live gave her a standing ovation. ''American Idol'' judge Simon Cowell described her as "incredible", saying, "When you let her [Clarkson] come back on the show it makes everybody else look like an amateur." Clarkson later sang "Never Again" in the ''American Idol'' grand finale on May 23, 2007. On July 7, 2007, Clarkson performed on the American leg of Live Earth. Clarkson was invited to be a celebrity mentor for ''Canadian Idol'' during its Top 5 week of the fifth season, aired on the CTV network on August 20, and she performed on the results show the next night. Clarkson also performed the grand finale of ''Swedish Idol'' in December 2007. Clarkson also performed at the 2007 NFL opening kickoff where she sang the national anthem and songs from ''My December''. Clarkson also performed in the halftime show for the Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets game on Thanksgiving Day.

In addition to her roles as spokeswoman for the acne treatment Proactiv as well as Vitaminwater, Clarkson partnered with NASCAR for the 2007 season. She appeared in televised advertising spots, performed at pre-race concerts, promoted NASCAR Day, and appeared at the Champions' Banquet in December. In April 2008, Clarkson participated in a Papal Youth Rally at the campus of St. Joseph's Seminary, Dunwoodie in Yonkers, New York performing a mini-concert for those in attendance. This was the Papal Visit of Pope Benedict XVI. She performed Schubert's "Ave Maria" for the Pope later in the day following the Pope's speech. Clarkson, raised a Baptist, was said to be honored by the invitation and appreciative of the rosary given to her and her band by the Pope, who were invited over by the Pope immediately following the performance for the rosary honor.

Clarkson performed "What Hurts the Most" with Rascal Flatts at the ACM Awards in 2006 and returned again to sing a duet with Reba McEntire in 2007. This was her second performance on a country music award show, even though she is in the pop/rock genre. Along with her performance with Rascal Flatts, Clarkson also performed "Cigarettes", with the country duo The Wreckers during one of their shows in Texas.

Building on her country music status, Clarkson and Reba McEntire, who first met after Clarkson won the first season of ''American Idol'', recorded an hour-long ''CMT Crossroads'' special at Nashville's famed Ryman Auditorium on February 22, 2007. It aired on CMT and Palladia (then known as MHD) on June 24, 2007. Previously, Clarkson was a performer on CMT's ''Giants: Reba McEntire''. where she sang McEntire's hit song "Why Haven't I Heard From You", introduced Dolly Parton, and later also sang McEntire's hit "Does He Love You" with Martina McBride. Clarkson also appeared on an episode of McEntire's sitcom ''Reba'', that aired on January 14, 2007.

At the Academy of Country Music Awards on May 16, 2007, Clarkson and McEntire sang a duet of Clarkson's own 2005 single, "Because of You", which also became the lead single from McEntire's album of all-star duets. The music video for this version of the song later debuted on June 20, 2007. This collaboration with McEntire earned Clarkson a CMA Award nomination for "Musical Event of the Year" in 2007 and a Grammy Award nomination for "Best Country Collaboration With Vocal" in 2008. Additionally, the song was featured on ''Now That's What I Call Country'', which was released in August 2008.

Clarkson was a surprise guest at the 2007 CMA Music Festival in Nashville on June 7, 2007, where she performed "Does He Love You" and "Because of You" with Reba McEntire during the internationally-renowned annual event. The performance of "Because of You" was taped and aired as part of the "CMA Music Festival: Country's Night To Rock" television special that aired on ABC on July 23, 2007.

On January 17, 2008, Clarkson embarked on the 2 Worlds, 2 Voices Tour 2008, a co-headlining tour with Reba McEntire. Reba and Clarkson have since stayed in touch and Clarkson is now managed by McEntire's husband Narvel Blackstock.

On May 18, 2008, Clarkson performed on stage at the Academy of Country Music Awards All-Star Jam with Reba McEntire and Ronnie Dunn of Brooks and Dunn. The All-Star jam is the final event of the week taking place immediately after the awards show. Clarkson was not announced ahead of time for an appearance.

2008–10: ''All I Ever Wanted''

Clarkson's fourth album, ''All I Ever Wanted'', was released on March 10, 2009. During recording of the album, Clarkson worked closely with producer-songwriters Ryan Tedder, Dr. Luke, Max Martin, and Howard Benson, among others. In its first week of sales, it sold 255,000 copies in the U.S., debuting at number one on the ''Billboard'' 200; it stayed at number one for two weeks. ''All I Ever Wanted'' received a Grammy Award nomination for "Best Pop Vocal Album". Clarkson was placed eighth on ''Billboard'' Magazine's Top Female Artists of 2009 and ninth on ''Billboard'' Magazine's Top Hot Artists of 2000s. She was ranked second on ''Billboard'' Magazine's Best of 2000s: Pop Song Artist, behind Pink.

The first single from ''All I Ever Wanted'', "My Life Would Suck Without You", entered the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 at number 97 and rose to number one the following week; this broke the record for the largest leap to the top spot, formerly held by Britney Spears' "Womanizer".This was the second time Clarkson broke this record. Moreover, "My Life Would Suck Without You" was Clarkson's first number one in the United Kingdom and it made her the first ''American Idol'' winner to achieve a number one single in the UK. The album's second single, "I Do Not Hook Up", peaked at number 20 in the U.S. "I Do Not Hook Up" did not fare very well overseas and the believed reason for this is due to a lack of radio support because a previous version had been recorded by Katy Perry. The third single, "Already Gone", reached number 13 in the USA but failed to achieve international success, attaining only number 66 in the UK.

"Already Gone" sparked another conflict between Clarkson and her label. There was a widely reported scandal with the album's third single, which Clarkson wrote with OneRepublic's Ryan Tedder. Many critics had noticed that the backing track and style of the song sounded similar to Beyoncé's "Halo". After becoming aware of the comparisons, Clarkson did not want to release the song out of respect for Beyoncé, instead requesting release for a self-penned song, "Cry", which later hailed extremely positive reviews, most notably from the BBC. However, her record company refused, publishing "Already Gone" against Clarkson's wishes. In response to the entire fiasco, Clarkson penned a song called "Wash Rinse Repeat" in which she states her view on the lack of creativity record labels give their artists; it is widely believed the song is an attack on Ryan Tedder.

The fourth single was "All I Ever Wanted". Clarkson performed as one of many guests for the return of ''VH1 Divas'' in September 2009. Clarkson also became a guest mentor on the Dutch television series ''X Factor'' in November 2009.

Clarkson was announced as one of the VH1 Save the Music Foundation ambassadors for 2009–2010. She began her 32-date ''All I Ever Wanted'' tour in October, following a string of summer concerts around the United States. Clarkson toured all over the world with the album, reaching territories such as Europe, South Africa, Oceania and Asia.The fall tour shows were performed in arena/theater type venues, with the summer tour being performed in outdoor amphitheatres. Her Indonesia show was initially sponsored by tobacco company Djarum, but after complaints from some fans and anti-tobacco groups, the promoter removed the sponsor. The tour ended in May 2010 in China.

2010–present: ''Don't You Wanna Stay'' and ''Stronger''

On August 23, 2010, it was announced that Clarkson had recorded a duet called "Don't You Wanna Stay" with country star Jason Aldean for Aldean's upcoming album, ''My Kinda Party''. They performed the song at the 2010 CMA Awards on November 10, 2010 and again on April 14, 2011 during the elimination show of ''American Idol'' season ten. On the week ending February 27, 2011, the song moved to number one on ''Billboard'' Hot Country Songs, making Clarkson her first number one hit on the chart. As of July 21, 2011, "Don't You Wanna Stay" has sold nearly 1.9 million digital singles, becoming the most downloaded country music collaboration of all time. "Don't You Wanna Stay" is nominated for a 2012 Grammy Award for "Best Country Duo/Group Performance".

Clarkson's fifth studio album, ''Stronger'', was released on October 24, 2011. Clarkson began writing the material on November 2009 and was originally intended for a late 2010 release. Clarkson collaborated with several producers including Greg Kurstin, Ester Dean, Darkchild, Toby Gad, Steve Jordan and Howard Benson. Clarkson completed recording on February 28, 2011, and stated that it "was influenced by Prince, Tina Turner, Sheryl Crow, Radiohead and there's a little bit of a country vibe/influence on a couple of songs." On March 15, 2011, she announced that the album had been pushed back to September 2011. Rodney Jerkins told ''The Hollywood Reporter'' that it was a "smart decision", while Claude Kelly, said to MTV News that the move could work in her favor. ''Associated Content'' also reported that the delay was caused by the company restructuring at Sony Music with the former Universal Music Group chairman Doug Morris entering as its new CEO. The release of the album was accompanied by a limited release of Clarkson's first extended play, ''The Smoakstack Sessions'', which featured alternate versions of ''Stronger'' and ''All I Ever Wanted'' songs.

The first single, "Mr. Know It All", premiered via a live webcast on on August 30, 2011 and was commercially released on September 5, 2011. The song entered the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 at number 18, becoming her second highest debut since "Never Again" (2007); On November 3, the song ascended to number 10, earning Clarkson her ninth top ten single. On October 2, 2011, Clarkson performed the song at the 2011 NRL Grand Final in Sydney, Australia, marking Clarkson's first appearance at the event since the 2003 NRL Grand Final. The following week, "Mr. Know It All" hit #1 on the Australian charts, the first single of her career to top the charts in that country. 'Mr Know It All charted at number 4 in the UK and 8 in New Zealand. The song recieved 2x Platinum in Australia and Gold in New Zealand. The album's second single, "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)", was released in December 2011 and impacted radio on January 17, 2012. The song has charted at number 2 in the United States, 4 in both New Zealand and Poland and 8 in the UK.

The song "Tell Me A Lie" on the debut album by the boy band One Direction was co-written by Clarkson, which was originally intended for ''Stronger''. The song was leaked onto the internet a few months before. Clarkson's second extended play, ''iTunes Session'', was announced on November 23, 2011, and was released on December 27, 2011. On December 2 Clarkson released her first Christmas single, a cover of "I'll Be Home For Christmas" which is included on ''iTunes Session'' EP.

Clarkson is also confirmed to mentor country singer Blake Shelton's contestants on the second season of ''The Voice'' in its live shows in 2012. With this feat, Clarkson becomes the only reality singing competition contestant to appear on ''Idol'', ''The X Factor'' and ''The Voice''. Also, at Super Bowl 46 Clarkson sang the American National Anthem.

Politics

On December 29, 2011, Clarkson posted on Twitter her endorsement of US Congressman Ron Paul as a 2012 presidential candidate, saying, "I love Ron Paul. I liked him a lot during the last Republican nomination and no one gave him a chance. If he wins the nomination for the Republican Party in 2012 he's got my vote. Too bad he probably won't."

Film career

Soon after the first season of ''American Idol'' ended, Clarkson starred with ''Idol'' runner-up Justin Guarini in the movie ''From Justin to Kelly'' (2003). The film was poorly received by critics and grossed only $5 million at the North American box office, less than half its reported budget. Clarkson has mentioned in interviews that she is shocked when people send her scripts after ''From Justin to Kelly'', often citing contractual obligation as her sole reason for involvement in the film. Clarkson was quoted telling ''People'', "I knew when I read the script it was going to be real, real bad, but when I won, I signed that piece of paper and I could not get out of it." The script was written by Kim Fuller, Simon Fuller's brother.

She played Brenda Lee in the television drama ''American Dreams'' and appeared in the sitcom ''Reba''. She also participated in sketch comedy on ''MADtv'' (2002) and ''Saturday Night Live'' (2005).

Filmography (acting roles only)

Source: IMDb {|class="wikitable" border="1" |- ! scope="col" | Year ! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" | Role ! scope="col" | Episode |- |rowspan=5|2002 ||''Sabrina the Teenage Witch'' ||rowspan=3| as an extra (uncredited) || "The Whole Ball of Wax" |- |''Dharma & Greg'' || |- |''That '80s Show'' || "Valentine's Day" (S1, Ep2) |- |''Issues 101'' ||Crystal (as an extra) || Theatrical film |- |''MADtv'' ||Herself / Skits || Season 8, Ep 1 |- |rowspan=2|2003 ||''From Justin to Kelly'' ||Kelly Taylor|| Theatrical film |- |rowspan=2| ''American Dreams'' ||rowspan=2| Brenda Lee || "And Promises To Keep" |- |rowspan=2|2004 || "Tidings of Comfort and Joy" |- |''King of the Hill'' || Herself/Dawn|| "Stressed For Success" |- | rowspan=2|2005 || ''Saturday Night Live'' ||Herself / Skits / Musical Guest|| Host – Jason Bateman |- |''Damage Control'' ||Herself||Season 1, Ep. 1 |- |2007 ||''Reba'' ||Kelly|| "As We Forgive Those" |- |2009 || ''Saturday Night Live'' ||Herself / Musical Guest|| Host – Tracy Morgan |- |2011|| ''Phineas and Ferb'' ||Herself || "A Phineas and Ferb Family Christmas" |- |2012 || ''Saturday Night Live'' ||Herself / Musical Guest|| Host – Charles Barkley confirmed on air |}

Vocal ability

Clarkson possesses the vocal range of a soprano; her vocal talents and abilities have been met with praise from critics and celebrities alike. On an interview with ''Good Morning America'', Simon Cowell was asked of the then six ''American Idol'' winners, who he thought had the best voice. Cowell immediately answered that Clarkson did "by a mile", noting that she was "up there" with other great singers such as Celine Dion.

Arion Berger of ''Rolling Stone'' has said of Clarkson that "her high notes are sweet and pillowy, her growl is bone-shaking and sexy, and her midrange is amazingly confident for a pop posy whose career is tied for eternity to the whims of her ''American Idol'' overlords."

Dr. Luke, a songwriter and producer of some of Clarkson's hits stated that "She has powerful lungs. She's like the Lance Armstrong of vocal cords."

''Esquire'' wrote that Clarkson has “the best voice in the history of pop music".

Discography

''Thankful'' (2003)

''Breakaway'' (2004)

''My December'' (2007)

''All I Ever Wanted'' (2009)

''Stronger'' (2011)

Tours

;Headlining

Breakaway World Tour (2005–2006)

My December Tour (2007–2008)

All I Ever Wanted Tour (2009–2010)

Stronger Tour (2012)

;Promotional

Kelly Clarkson in Concert (2003)

Kelly Clarkson: Live in Concert (2009)

;Co-headlining

American Idols LIVE! Tour 2002 (with the American Idol Season 1 Finalists) (2002)

Independent Tour (with Clay Aiken) (2004)

2 Worlds 2 Voices Tour (with Reba McEntire) (2008)

Awards

See also

List of artists who reached number one in the United States

List of artists who reached number one on the UK Singles Chart

List of artists who reached number one on the U.S. Adult Contemporary chart

List of artists who reached number one on the U.S. dance airplay chart

List of artists who reached number one on the U.S. Adult Top 40 chart

List of artists who reached number one on the U.S. country chart

List of artists who reached number one on the Australian singles chart

List of best-charting music artists in the U.S.

List of Idol series winners

References

Further reading

Phares, Heather. [ "Kelly—Biography"]. ''Allmusic''. Retrieved February 11, 2006.

Lamb, Bill. "Kelly Clarkson—Profile". About.com. Retrieved February 11, 2006.

Phares, Heather. "Kelly Clarkson—Biography". Yahoo LAUNCHcast. Retrieved February 11, 2006.

International charting information. ''Top40-Charts.com''. Retrieved February 12, 2006.

''Kelly Gets Cocky''. ''Idol'' winner fires Simon Fuller. PopSugar.com. ''Blog Archives''. Retrieved February 25, 2006.

. ''E! Online''. [''Some films defy criticism''.] Retrieved May 4, 2006.

Croatto, Pete. ''From Justin to Kelly''. [''Watching From Justin to Kelly, one question looms over the entire production: Why was this movie made?''] Retrieved May 4, 2006.

External links

Category:1982 births Category:Actors from Texas Category:American Christians Category:American female singers Category:American film actors Category:American Idol winners Category:American people of Greek descent Category:American people of Irish descent Category:American people of Welsh descent Category:American pop singer-songwriters Category:American record producers Category:English-language singers Category:American sopranos Category:Grammy Award winners Category:Living people Category:Musicians from Texas Category:People from Fort Worth, Texas Category:RCA Records artists

ar:كيلي كلاركسون az:Kelli Klarkson bg:Кели Кларксън ca:Kelly Clarkson cs:Kelly Clarkson co:Kelly Clarkson da:Kelly Clarkson de:Kelly Clarkson et:Kelly Clarkson el:Κέλι Κλάρκσον es:Kelly Clarkson fa:کلی کلارکسون fr:Kelly Clarkson ko:켈리 클락슨 hy:Կելլի Քլարկսոն hr:Kelly Clarkson id:Kelly Clarkson is:Kelly Clarkson it:Kelly Clarkson he:קלי קלרקסון jv:Kelly Clarkson ka:კელი კლარკსონი csb:Kelly Clarkson la:Kelly Clarkson lv:Kellija Klarksone lt:Kelly Clarkson hu:Kelly Clarkson ms:Kelly Brianne Clarkson nl:Kelly Clarkson ja:ケリー・クラークソン no:Kelly Clarkson nn:Kelly Clarkson uz:Kelly Clarkson pl:Kelly Clarkson pt:Kelly Clarkson ro:Kelly Clarkson ru:Кларксон, Келли simple:Kelly Clarkson sk:Kelly Clarksonová sl:Kelly Clarkson sr:Keli Klarkson fi:Kelly Clarkson sv:Kelly Clarkson tl:Kelly Clarkson th:เคลลี คลาร์กสัน tr:Kelly Clarkson uk:Келлі Кларксон vi:Kelly Clarkson yi:קעלי קלערקסאן bat-smg:Kelly Clarkson zh:凱莉·克萊森

Name	Kelly Rowland
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Kelendria Trene Rowland
Born	February 11, 1981
Origin	Houston, Texas
Genre	R&B;, pop, hip hop, dance
Occupation	Singer-songwriter, actress, model, entertainer, dancer, television host
Years active	1990–present
Label	Columbia, Universal Motown
Associated acts	Destiny's Child
Website	}}

Kelendria Trene "Kelly" Rowland (born February 11, 1981) is an American recording artist, actress, dancer, songwriter and model who rose to fame as one of the founding members of the American girl group Destiny's Child. She has sold around forty million albums and twenty million singles with the group, and more than four million solo albums and eighteen million solo/featured singles. In total she has sold 82 million records worldwide.

Rowland began her solo career in 2002 with the release of her debut album ''Simply Deep'', which contained influences of alternative-R&B; and rock music. It included her joint worldwide number-one single "Dilemma" with rapper Nelly, as well as subsequent singles "Stole", "Can't Nobody" and "Train on a Track". Following the group's disbandment in 2005, Rowland released her second solo effort, ''Ms. Kelly'' in 2007. Considerably less successful than its predecessor, the album produced the hit singles "Like This" and "Work". In 2009, Rowland scored her second number-one hit with French DJ, David Guetta on the single, "When Love Takes Over". The song earned her a second Grammy Award as a solo artist, and resulted into their 2010 joint single, "Commander". This was Rowland's third number-one hit on the Hot Dance Club Songs chart and first offering from her third album ''Here I Am''. In 2011, Rowland's single "Motivation" featuring Lil Wayne reached number-one on the Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs charts.

Apart from her work in music, Rowland has also launched a career in film and television. In 2002, she made her debut with guest stints on sitcom series such as ''The Hughleys'' and ''Taina'', prior to appearing in the big-screen movies like the horror film ''Freddy vs. Jason'' (2003) and the romantic comedy ''The Seat Filler'' (2004). In 2009, she served as the host of the first season of the Bravo competition series ''The Fashion Show'' alongside Isaac Mizrahi. In 2011, Rowland joined the judging panel on the eighth series of the British reality television competition ''The X Factor''.

Life and career

1981–1997: Early life and career beginnings

Kelendria Trene Kamasia Rowland was born in Atlanta, Georgia. She is the daughter of Doris Rowland Garrison and Christopher Lovett. When she was seven, her mother took her and left her father, who was an abusive alcoholic.

At the age of eight, she relocated to Houston. Rowland was placed into a rapping and dancing group, along with friends Beyoncé Knowles and LaTavia Roberson. Originally named Girl's Tyme, they were eventually cut down to six members. West coast R&B; producer, Arne Frager, flew into Houston to see them and eventually brought them to his studio, The Plant Recording Studio, in Northern California. the biggest talent show on national TV at that time.

To manage the group, Mathew Knowles, Beyoncé's father, resigned in 1995 from his job as a medical-equipment salesman. He dedicated his time and established a "boot camp" for their training. At this time Rowland moved in with the Knowles. Not long after the inclusion of Rowland, Mathew cut the original lineup to four with LeToya Luckett joining in 1993. Rehearsing in Tina Knowles' hair styling salon and their backyards, the group continued performing as an opening act for other established R&B; girl groups of the time. They auditioned before record labels and were finally signed to Elektra Records, only to be dropped months later, before they could release an album.

1997–2002: Breakthrough with Destiny's Child

Taken from a passage in the Biblical Book of Isaiah, the group changed their name to Destiny's Child in 1993. Together, they performed in local events and, after four years on the road, the group was signed to Columbia Records in late 1997. That same year, Destiny's Child recorded their major label debut song, "Killing Time", for the soundtrack to the 1997 film, ''Men in Black''. The following year, the group released their self-titled debut album, spawning hits such as "No, No, No". The album established the group as a viable act in the music industry, amassing moderate sales and winning the group three Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards. The group rose to stardom after releasing their multi-platinum second album, ''The Writing's on the Wall'', in 1999. The record features some of the group’s most widely known songs such as "Bills, Bills, Bills", Jumpin' Jumpin' ", and "Say My Name," which became their most-successful song at the time, and would remain one of their signature songs. "Say My Name" won the Best R&B; Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals and the Best R&B; Song at the 2001 Grammy Awards. ''The Writing's on the Wall'' sold more than 13 million copies worldwide, essentially becoming their breakthrough album.

thumb|upight|right|Destiny's Child performing their 2000 hit "Say My Name" during their farewell concert tour, Destiny Fulfilled ... And Lovin' It. Along with their commercial successes, the group became entangled in much-publicized turmoil involving the filing of a lawsuit by Luckett and Roberson for breach of contract. The issue was heightened after Michelle Williams and Farrah Franklin appeared on the video of "Say My Name", implying that Luckett and Roberson had already been replaced. Eventually, Luckett and Roberson left the group. Franklin would eventually fade from the group after five months, as evidenced by her absences during promotional appearances and concerts. She attributed her departure to negative vibes in the group resulting from the strife. After settling on their final lineup, the trio recorded "Independent Women Part I", which appeared on the soundtrack to the 2000 film, ''Charlie's Angels''. It became their best-charting single, topping the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 for eleven consecutive weeks. The success cemented the new lineup and skyrocketed them to fame. Later that year, Luckett and Roberson withdrew their case against their now-former band mates, while maintaining the suit against Mathew, which ended in both sides agreeing to stop public disparaging.

Later that year, while Destiny's Child was completing their third album ''Survivor'', Rowland appeared on the remix of Avant's single "Separated" which reached the top spot of the ''Billboard'' Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart. Survivor, which channeled the turmoil the band underwent, spawned its lead single of the same name, which was a response to the experience. The song went on to win a Grammy Award for Best R&B; Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. The themes of "Survivor", however, caused Luckett and Roberson to refile their lawsuit; the proceedings were eventually settled in June 2002. Meanwhile, the album was released in May 2001, debuting at number one on the US ''Billboard'' 200 with 663,000 units sold. To date, ''Survivor'' has sold over ten million copies worldwide, over forty percent of which were sold in the US alone. The album also spawned the number-one hit—"Bootylicious". After releasing their remix album, ''This Is the Remix'' (2002), the group announced their temporary break-up to pursue solo projects.

2002–05: ''Simply Deep'', ''Destiny Fulfilled'' and group disbandment

150px|left|upight|thumb|Rowland in 2003. Still with Destiny's Child, Rowland teamed up with rapper Nelly in 2002 to record the chorus and bridge vocals on the track "Dilemma" for his album ''Nellyville''. Released as the album's second single, the song rose to one of the most successful singles of the year, topping many charts worldwide, and saw Rowland establishing herself as a solo artist, winning her a Grammy for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration and a Billboard Award the following year.

Originally due in early 2003, the success of the collaboration caused the label to advance the release date of her debut solo album, ''Simply Deep'', which Rowland rushed within three weeks to get done. The album has a mixture of alternative-R&B; and rock music. Featuring production contribution by Mark J. Feist, Big Bert, Rich Harrison, and singers Brandy and Solange Knowles providing background vocals, the album took Rowland's solo work further into an alternative music mixture, which Rowland described as a "weird fusion [of] a little bit of Sade and a little bit of rock." Released stateside in October 2002 and internationally in 2003, ''Simply Deep'' peaked at number twelve on the ''Billboard'' 200 in the US, where it was eventually certified gold by the RIAA for more than 600,000 copies sold. Released to even bigger success in international territories, the album topped the UK Albums Chart and became a gold-seller in Ireland, Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and other countries, resulting into a worldwide sales total of 2.5 million copies. In her review for ''Simply Deep'', Caroline Sullivan of The Guardian wrote, "Thanks to the ubiquitous 'Dilemma', a song that practically peeled off its clothes on the spot, Destiny's Child's Kelly Rowland is no longer a mere backing vocalist for Beyoncé Knowles."

The album yielded three singles. "Stole", a rock pop-influenced mid-tempo track about loss, was released as the album's lead single and became an international top ten, peaking at number two in Australia and the United Kingdom, where it remains her highest-charting solo single to date. Stateside, the song failed to capitalize on the success of "Dilemma", reaching the top thirty only. The album's second single, an up-tempo track entitled "Can't Nobody", charted significantly lower in the US, but enjoyed top twenty success throughout Australia and parts of Europe, where it became another top five hit on the UK Singles Chart. Final single "Train on a Track" was featured on the soundtrack of the romantic comedy film ''Maid in Manhattan'' (2003) but failed to chart or sell noticeably, except for the UK again, where it became her fourth consecutive top twenty entry.

After a three-year journey that involved concentration on individual solo projects, Rowland rejoined Beyoncé Knowles and Michelle Williams for Destiny's Child's fourth studio album ''Destiny Fulfilled'', released in November 2004. The album hit number two on the ''Billboard'' 200, and spawned "Lose My Breath", "Soldier", "Girl", and "Cater 2 U" as notable mainstream records. In support of the album, Destiny's Child embarked on the 2005 Destiny Fulfilled ... And Lovin' It world tour, which started in April and ran through September. On the Barcelona, Spain visit, the group announced their disbandment after the end of their final North American leg. In October 2005, the group released a compilation album, entitled ''#1's'', including all of Destiny's Child's number-one hits and most of their well-known songs. The greatest hits collection also includes three new tracks, including their final single "Stand Up for Love". Destiny's Child was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in March 2006. According to Time Magazine, they were recognized as the world's best-selling female group of all time.

That same year, Rowland was featured on American rapper Trina's hit single "Here We Go", the lead single of the ''Glamorest Life'' album (2005). The song peaked at #17 on the Billboard Hot 100, successfully becaming another top twenty entry in Finland, New Zealand, the United States, and the United Kingdom with the collaboration.

2006–08: ''Ms. Kelly''

Rowland's second solo album, ''Ms. Kelly'', was released in June 2007. Not as successful as its predecessor, the album produced the hit singles "Like This" and "Work". Originally entitled ''My Story'', the album's first version was actually scheduled for a June 2006 release, but the singer, her management and Columbia Records decided to shelve the album last minute to re-work a version with a different vibe as the singer considered the final tracklisting "too full of midtempos and ballads." Rowland eventually consulted additional producers to collaborate on the album, renamed ''Ms. Kelly'', including Billy Mann, Scott Storch, and Atlanta-based Polow da Don, who contributed to the single "Like This", a collaboration with rapper Eve, to the album. A moderate success around the globe, the song reached the top ten in Canada, Ireland, Slovenia and the United Kingdom. Upon its release, ''Ms. Kelly'' debuted at number two on the U.S. ''Billboard'' Top R&B;/Hip-Hop Albums chart, with moderately successful first week sales of 86,000 copies. Outside the United States, the album widely failed to reprise the success of ''Simply Deep'', barely reaching the top forty on the majority of all charts it appeared on, except for the United Kingdom where it opened at number thirty-seven. Rowland had been working on the conception of her second solo album on and off since 2004, with some of her early recordings — such as the Bryan Michael Cox-produced "Bad Habit" — even being used on the Destiny's Child's albums ''Destiny Fulfilled'' (2004) and ''Destiny's Child: Live in Atlanta'' (2006). The album's first draft, entitled ''My Story'', saw her actually writing and recording with a wider range of well-known contemporary R&B; producers and artists as she wanted to go "in the urban, more R&B; route [in general]" with the album, involving Big Tank, Patrick "J. Que" Smith, Rich Harrison, Rodney Jerkins, and Robin Thicke. Female rappers Remy Ma and Shawnna also lent their voices to guest parts. Anxious to avoid hasty productions as on previous album ''Simply Deep'', Rowland took a wider role in the production of the album: she co-wrote the majority of the songs and shared ideas in which one to produce. "I wrote a lot on this record [...] and it's especially from me [to my fans]," she said of the album. "It's more R&B; [...] and it definitely has a feel-good vibe to it as well." A few months before the scheduled release of ''My Story'' however, Rowland felt the album was not going into the direction she had previously envisioned, and thus, she asked to revamp the album. "It was basically a list of songs that I put together about the past three years of my life, with love and relationships," she said of the original track listing. "And I remember listening to the record, and I was just like, 'I don't want this to be too deep to where, you know, [I] lose people.' And the record was too full of midtempos and ballads, so I wanted to bring it up a little bit." Rowland eventually consulted new producers to collaborate on the album, including Mysto & Pizzi, Sean Garrett, Scott Storch, Polow da Don, and rapper Eve. In addition, the singer decided to rename the album. "I really put my heart and soul into this record," she said, "and not only am I excited that everyone's going to hear the music, I'm looking forward to people getting to hear the real me. That's the reason I called the album ''Ms. Kelly''. Because the title is all about respect, being an adult and that's how I feel about my life, and my music." Rowland cited former bandmate Beyoncé Knowles, and singers Brandy and Whitney Houston as major inspirations while recording her album. In continued support of the album, Rowland released the album cuts "Ghetto" and "Work" as singles, respectively. While the Snoop Dogg-featured "Ghetto" underperformed stateside, the latter became a top ten hit in most European markets including France, Italy, and the United Kingdom. In 2008, a reissued version of the album, branded ''Ms. Kelly Deluxe'', received a release. Its lead single is the previously unreleased Bobby Womack cover "Daylight", a collaboration with Travie McCoy (of alternative rap group Gym Class Heroes) that reached the top twenty of the UK Singles Chart. By April 2008, ''Ms. Kelly'' had managed to sell just over 1.2 million copies worldwide. Also in 2008, Rowland recorded a single with French singer Nâdiya, an uptempo urban pop track entitled "No Future in the Past", for which a video was shot in Miami, Florida during July 2008.

2009–present: New management, label and ''Here I Am''

In February 2009, a duet with Italian singer Tiziano Ferro, entitled "Breathe Gentle", was released as a single and reached the top ten of the Italian Singles Chart and the Dutch Singles Chart. Also, in early 2009, Rowland ended her professional relationship with both manager Mathew Knowles and former label Columbia Records to explore other ventures. Her first step was the house collaboration "When Love Takes Over", the lead single of French DJ David Guetta's 2009 studio album ''One Love'', for which Rowland contributed vocals on three tracks. The song was released in April 2009 and saw major international success, peaking at number-one in several countries around the globe. The same year, it was announced that Rowland had drafted Jeff Rabhan as her new manager.

In 2010, Rowland signed up to record the MTN theme song for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South African, "Everywhere You Go", featuring an all-star supergroup of international artists called Rhythm of Africa United. Rowland also continued touring Europe, Asia and Australia as a solo artist throughout late 2009 and early 2010, including a performance as one of the headlining acts of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras party with George Michael also headlining. She was also part of the world tour Supafest, which took place in 2010, touring the major cities in the world.

Despite being without a label for almost one year, Rowland embarked on the recording sessions for her third studio album ''Here I Am'' and it was during one of these recording sessions that she caught the attention of label boss Sylvia Rhone which led to the signing of a new record deal with Universal Motown Records, and later switching to Universal Republic Records Since then she has been completing the project which Rowland described as containing a lot of "up-tempo tracks" and being "a mixture of different sounds that express me and where I’m at right now in my career". The album is known to include collaborations with David Guetta and Rico Love which includes the album's lead single "Commander". It was Rowland's third number-one hit on the Hot Dance Club Songs chart. In addition, Dr. Luke, Ester Dean and Ne-Yo with StarGate are respectively responsible for the American album's two U.S. lead singles, "Rose Colored Glasses" and "Grown Woman". Others working on the album included American record producer, Jim Jonsin who described the Rowland's new sound as Donna Summer-esque, Andre Merrit and Brian Kennedy. In addition, Rowland also worked with Tinie Tempah on his single "Invincible," taken from his album ''Disc-Overy'', and reunited with rapper Nelly on the single "Gone" from his album entitled ''5.0''. She also appeared on Italian DJ Alex Gaudino's single "What a Feeling", released in March 2011. Rowland released her single "Motivation" featuring Lil Wayne in April 2011, it reached number 1 on the R&B;/Hip-Hop Charts for 7 weeks.

In August 2011 Kelly went back into the studio to start her new album Rico Love told Rap-Up.com that kelly is plotting a return to the studio to prep her next project.“I’m starting Kelly’s new album soon,” reveals Love, who penned the smash “Motivation” and several other cuts off Rowland’s third album. “While she’s on tour, I’m gonna be writing records for her new album. We can kinda roll that out and drop her new single in late spring. Excited about that.”

Other ventures

Film and television career

Rowland branched out into acting with a guest stint on the sitcom ''The Hughleys'' in 2002, before appearing in other UPN shows such as ''Eve'' and ''Girlfriends'' in the years of 2003 and 2006 respectively. Having played the role of Tammy Hamilton, an ambitious 21-year-old apprentice to realtor Toni (Jill Marie Jones) in latter sitcom, Rowland initially hoped her three-episode stint would expand to a larger recurring role, but as the show was moved to The CW network the following year plans for a return eventually went nowhere. Also in 2003, she appeared in ''American Dreams'' as Martha Reeves of Martha & The Vandellas, singing a version of the group's single "Nowhere to Run".

In 2003, Rowland made her big screen debut in the slasher film ''Freddy vs. Jason'', a crossover film directed by Ronny Yu. Cast as one of the female leads, she portrayed Kia Waterson, the frank best friend of lead character Lori Campbell, played by Monica Keena. Released to generally mixed reviews from critics, the movie topped the U.S. box office, gaining $36.4 million on its first weekend. Budgeted at $25 million, the film became a financial success, resulting in a worldwide box office total of $114.3 million.

The following year, Rowland returned to the big screen, this time for a lead role in the romantic comedy ''The Seat Filler'', starring opposite Duane Martin and Shemar Moore. Executive produced by Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, the film hit theaters in the summer of 2005 and debuted at number eighteen at the box office top twenty. It eventually earned a total domestic gross ticket sales of $10.2 million. In the film, for which she recorded two songs, Rowland played a pop star who falls for an awards-show seat filler in which she mistakes for a high-profile entertainment attorney. Released to a limited number of festivals only, the film went straight to DVD in 2006.

In October 2007, Rowland auditioned for the role of Louise, Carrie Bradshaw's assistant, in the 2008 film adaptation of HBO's comedy series ''Sex and the City''. The part eventually went to Jennifer Hudson. In fall 2007, Rowland appeared as a choirmaster on the NBC reality show ''Clash of the Choirs''. Rowland was among superstars like Michael Bolton, Patti LaBelle, Nick Lachey, and Blake Shelton. Rowland's choir finished fifth in the competition. In 2009, she was cast to host Bravo's reality competition series ''The Fashion Show'' alongside Isaac Mizrahi. The series premiered on May 7, 2009.

On 30 May 2011, Rowland was confirmed as a judge for the eighth series of British television show ''The X Factor''.

Philanthropy

Rowland and the Knowles family founded the Survivor Foundation, a charitable entity set up to provide transitional housing for 2005 Hurricane Katrina victims and storm evacuees in the Houston, Texas area. The Survivor Foundation extended the philanthropic mission of the Knowles-Rowland Center for Youth, a multi-purpose community outreach facility in downtown Houston. Also in 2005, Rowland and Knowles lent their voices to a collaboration with Kitten K. Sera, entitled "All That I'm Lookin for." The song appeared on ''The Katrina CD'' album, whose proceeds went to the ''Recording Artists for Hope'' organization.

In 2006, Rowland joined other artists such as Pink and Avril Lavigne in ads for so-called empowerment tags for the ALDO Fights AIDS campaign, which went on sale exclusively at ALDO stores and benefited the YouthAIDS initiative. In 2007, Rowland, along with stars such as Jessica Simpson and the cast of ''Grey's Anatomy'' autographed pink Goody Ouchless brushes that were made available for auction on eBay, with all proceeds going to Breast Cancer Awareness. In addition, the singer teamed up with Kanye West, Nelly Furtado and Snoop Dogg to design a Nike sneaker for another eBay auction. All proceeds went to AIDS Awareness.

In 2008, Rowland officially became ambassador for MTV's Staying Alive Foundation, which aims to reduce discrimination against HIV and AIDS victims. She has since visited projects in Tanzania and Kenya to promote the charity, and underwent a HIV and AIDS test in Africa to raise awareness of the deadly diseases. In March 2009, she spearheaded a bone marrow drive. As reported, Rowland also is readying a new charity called I Heart My Girlfriends, which will serve as an interactive support system for teenage girls.

In 2009, Rowland connected with Serve.MTV.com, MTV’s platform to connect young people with local volunteerism opportunities, for a series of on-air PSAs. From battling homelessness to beautifying impoverished neighborhoods to saving whales, Rowland was joined by the likes of Cameron Diaz, will.i.am, and Sean Kingston as they discuss causes they volunteer to support, and urge young people to join with their friends in making civil service a part of their lifestyle. Also in 2009, Rowland along with fellow singers Alesha Dixon and Pixie Lott created T-shirts for River Island in aid of the Prince's Trust, profits from which help change young lives. In March 2010 Rowland launched her brand new charity, I Heart My Girlfriends. According to Rowland’s official website, the charity focuses on self-esteem, date violence prevention, community service, abstinence, sports, drug and alcohol and smoking avoidance, obesity, disabilities, education and more. On April 26, 2010, she was at Grand Ballroom's "City of Hope - Spirit of Life Awards" for a charity event.

Discography

''Simply Deep'' (2002)

''Ms. Kelly'' (2007)

''Here I Am'' (2011)

Tours

2003: Simply Deeper Tour

2007: Ms. Kelly Tour

2010: Supafest

2011: F.A.M.E. Tour (as a opening act for North America)

Awards and nominations

! Year	! Type	! Award	! Result
Grammy Award for Record of the Year
	[[MTV Europe Music Awards	Best Song ("When Love Takes Over" with David Guetta)
	ASCAP Women Behind the Music Awards	Outstanding Women in the Music Industry
	Best Pop Dance Track ("When Love Takes Over")
Best House/Garage Track ("When Love Takes Over")
Best Music Video ("When Love Takes Over")
MTV Video Music Awards Japan	Best Dance Video ("When Love Takes Over")
NRJ Music Awards	Song of the Year ("When Love Takes Over")
World Music Awards	World's Best Single ("When Love Takes Over")
Best Solo Artist

Filmography

{|class="wikitable" style="font-size: 90%;" border="2" cellpadding="4" background: #f9f9f9; |- align="center" |- bgcolor="#CCCCCC" align="center" ! colspan="4" style="background: LightSteelBlue;"|Cinema |- bgcolor="#CCCCCC" align="center" ! Year ! Title ! Role ! Notes |- | 1999 || ''Beverly Hood'' ||Girl #2 || Cameo appearance |- | 2003 || ''Freddy vs. Jason'' || Kia Waterson || Supporting role |- | 2004 || ''The Seat Filler'' || Jhnelle || Lead role |- | 2008 || ''Astérix at the Olympic Games'' || Herself || Cameo appearance |- | 2011 || ''The Goree Girls'' || Jill || Supporting Role |- |- bgcolor="#CCCCCC" align="center" ! colspan="6" style="background: LightSteelBlue;"|Telefilms |- bgcolor="#CCCCCC" align="center" ! Year ! Title ! Role ! Notes |- | 2002 || ''The Hughleys || Carly || 3 episodes |- | 2002 || ''Taina || Nicole || 1 episode |- | rowspan="2"| 2003 || ''American Dreams'' || Martha Reeves || 2 episodes |- | ''Eve'' || Cleo || 1 episode |- | 2006 || ''Girlfriends'' || Tammy Hamilton || 3 episodes |- | rowspan="2"| 2011 || ''Single Ladies'' || DJ Denise Phillips || 1 episode |- | ''Bag of Bones (Stephen King Mini Series)'' || Blues Singer || 2 episodes |- |- bgcolor="#CCCCCC" align="center" ! colspan="4" style="background: LightSteelBlue;"|Television |- bgcolor="#CCCCCC" align="center" ! Year ! Title ! Role ! Notes |- |2007 || ''Clash of the Choirs'' || Choirmaster || Reality series |- |2009 || ''The Fashion Show'' || Co-host || Reality series |- |2011 || ''The X Factor'' || Judge || Talent show |- bgcolor="#CCCCCC" align="center" ! colspan="4" style="background: LightSteelBlue;"|Television guest appearances |- bgcolor="#CCCCCC" align="center" ! Year ! Title ! Role ! Notes |- | 1997 || ''Smart Guy'' ||Herself || "A Date With Destiny" cameo with Destiny's Child |- |rowspan="6"|2010 || ''Brandy and Ray J: A Family Business'' || Herself; Guest appearance || 2 episodes |- | ''The Spin Crowd'' || Herself; Guest appearance || 1 episode |- | ''X Factor Germany'' || Herself; Mentor || 2 episodes |- | ''X Factor Australia'' || Herself; Mentor || 2 episodes |- | ''La La's Full Court Wedding'' || Herself; Guest Appearance || 1 episode |- |''The A-List: New York''|| Herself; Guest Appearance || 1 episode |}

References

External links

Category:1981 births Category:Actors from Georgia (U.S. state) Category:Actors from Texas Category:African American actors Category:African American female singers Category:American child singers Category:American dance musicians Category:American female singers Category:American film actors Category:American rhythm and blues singers Category:American rhythm and blues singer-songwriters Category:Destiny's Child members Category:Grammy Award winners Category:Living people Category:Musicians from Georgia (U.S. state) Category:Musicians from Texas Category:People from Atlanta, Georgia Category:People from Houston, Texas Category:People from Sugar Land, Texas Category:The X Factor judges Category:The X Factor (UK)

bg:Кели Роуланд cs:Kelly Rowland da:Kelly Rowland de:Kelly Rowland es:Kelly Rowland fa:کلی رولند fr:Kelly Rowland id:Kelly Rowland it:Kelly Rowland he:קלי רולנד sw:Kelly Rowland lv:Kellija Roulenda lt:Kelly Rowland hu:Kelly Rowland nl:Kelly Rowland ja:ケリー・ローランド nap:Kelly Rowland no:Kelly Rowland pl:Kelly Rowland pt:Kelly Rowland ro:Kelly Rowland ru:Роуленд, Келли simple:Kelly Rowland sk:Kelly Rowlandová sr:Кели Роуланд fi:Kelly Rowland sv:Kelly Rowland th:เคลลี โรว์แลนด์ tr:Kelly Rowland vi:Kelly Rowland zh:凯莉·罗兰

Consort	yes
full name	Grace Patricia Kelly
succession	Princess consort of Monaco
reign	April 19, 1956 – September 14, 1982
spouse	Rainier III, Prince of Monaco
issue	Caroline, Princess of HanoverAlbert II, Prince of MonacoPrincess Stéphanie of Monaco
titles	''HSH'' The Princess of Monaco''Miss'' Grace Patricia Kelly
house	House of Grimaldi
father	John B. Kelly, Sr.
mother	Margaret Katherine Majer
birth date	November 12, 1929
birth place	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
death date	September 14, 1982
death place	Monaco
place of burial	Monaco Cathedral
occupation	Actress
religion	Roman Catholicism
signature	Grace Kelly Signature.jpg }}

Grace Patricia Kelly (November 12, 1929September 14, 1982) was an American actress who, in April 1956, married Rainier III, Prince of Monaco, to become Princess consort of Monaco, styled as Her Serene Highness The Princess of Monaco, and commonly referred to as Princess Grace.

After embarking on an acting career in 1950, at the age of 20, Grace Kelly appeared in New York City theatrical productions as well as in more than forty episodes of live drama productions broadcast during the early 1950s Golden Age of Television. In October 1953, with the release of ''Mogambo'', she became a movie star, a status confirmed in 1954 with a Golden Globe Award and Academy Award nomination as well as leading roles in five films, including ''The Country Girl'', in which she gave a deglamorized, Academy Award-winning performance. She retired from acting at 26 to enter upon her duties in Monaco. She and Prince Rainier had three children: Caroline, Albert, and Stéphanie. She also retained her American roots, maintaining dual US and Monégasque citizenships.

She died on September 14, 1982, when she lost control of her automobile and crashed after suffering a stroke. Her daughter Princess Stéphanie, who was in the car with her, survived the accident.

In June 1999, the American Film Institute ranked her No.13 in their list of top female stars of American cinema.

Family

A native of Philadelphia, Grace Kelly was born to John Brendan "Jack" Kelly, and his wife, Margaret Katherine Majer. The newborn was named in memory of her father's sister, who had died at a young age. She was raised Catholic by her parents, and was of Irish and German descent. Before her marriage, Majer studied physical education at Temple University and later became the first woman to head the Physical Education Department at the University of Pennsylvania. Jack Kelly was a local hero as a triple Olympic-gold-medal-winning sculler, and became wealthy as his construction company became the largest such enterprise on the East Coast. Registering as a Democrat, he obtained the party's nomination for mayor in the 1935 election and lost by the closest margin for any Democrat in the city's electoral history. In later years, he served on the Fairmount Park Commission and, during World War II, was appointed by President Roosevelt as National Director of Physical Fitness.

When Grace was born, the Kellys already had two children, Margaret Katherine, known as Peggy (June 13, 1925 – November 23, 1991) and John Brendan, Jr., known as Kell (May 24, 1927 – May 2, 1985). Another daughter, Elizabeth Anne, known as Lizanne (June 25, 1933 – November 24, 2009), was born three and a half years after Grace.

At Margaret's baptism in 1925, Jack Kelly's mother, Mary Costello Kelly, expressed her disappointment that the baby was not named Grace in memory of her last daughter who died young. Upon his mother's death the following year, Jack Kelly resolved that his next daughter would bear the name and, three years later, with the arrival of Grace Patricia in November 1929, his late mother's wish was honored.

Following in his father's athletic footsteps, John Jr. won in 1947 the James E. Sullivan Award as the country's top amateur athlete. Also, similar to his father's gold medals in rowing at the 1920 and 1924 Summer Olympics, he competed in the sport at the 1948, 1952 and the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne where, on November 27, seven months after his sister's Monaco wedding, he won a bronze medal, which he gave to her as a gift of the occasion. He also served as a city councilman and Philadelphia's Kelly Drive is named for him.

Two of Grace Kelly's uncles were prominent in the arts; her father's eldest brother, Walter C. Kelly (1873–1939), was a vaudeville star whose nationally known act, ''The Virginia Judge'', was filmed as a 1930 MGM short and a 1935 Paramount feature, and another older brother, George Kelly (1887–1974), estranged from the family due to his homosexuality, became renowned in the 1920s as a dramatist, screenwriter and director with a hit comedy-drama, ''The Show Off'', in 1924–25, and was awarded the 1926 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for his next play, ''Craig's Wife''.

Acting career

name	Grace Kelly
birth name	Grace Patricia Kelly
years active	1950–1956 }}

While attending Ravenhill Academy, a prestigious Catholic girls' school, Kelly modeled fashions at local social events with her mother and sisters. In 1942, at the age of twelve, she played a lead in ''Don't Feed the Animals'', a play produced by the East Falls Old Academy Players. During high school, she acted and danced, graduating in May 1947 from Stevens School, a small private institution in a mansion on Walnut Lane in the Northwest Philadelphia neighborhood of Germantown. Her graduation yearbook listed her favorite actress as Ingrid Bergman and her favorite actor as Joseph Cotten. Written in the "Stevens' Prophecy" section was, “Miss Grace P. Kelly – a famous star of stage and screen.”

Theater and television

Because of low mathematics scores, Kelly was rejected by Bennington College in July 1947. To the dismay of her parents—despite his brothers' occupations, her father viewed acting as "a slim cut above streetwalker"—Kelly decided to pursue her dreams of a career in the theater. For an audition into the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York she used a scene from her uncle's 1923 play ''The Torch-Bearers''. Although the school had already selected its semester quota, Kelly obtained an interview with the school's admission officer, Emile Diestel, and was admitted due to her uncle George. Living in Manhattan's Barbizon Hotel for Women, a prestigious establishment which barred men from entering after 10 pm, and working as a model to support her studies, Kelly began her first term the following October. A diligent student, she would use a tape recorder to practice and perfect her speech. Her early acting pursuits led her to the stage, most notably a Broadway debut in Strindberg's ''The Father'' alongside Raymond Massey. At 19, her graduation performance was as Tracy Lord in ''The Philadelphia Story''.

Television producer Delbert Mann cast Kelly as Bethel Merriday, an adaptation of the Sinclair Lewis novel of the same name, in her first of nearly sixty live television programs. Success on television eventually brought her a role in a major motion picture. Kelly made her film debut in a small role in the 1951 film ''Fourteen Hours''. She was noticed during a visit to the set by Gary Cooper, who subsequently starred with her in ''High Noon''. Cooper was charmed by Kelly and said that she was "different from all these actresses we've been seeing so much of." However, her performance in ''Fourteen Hours'' was not noticed by critics, and did not lead to her receiving other film acting roles. She continued her work in the theater and on television, although she lacked "vocal horsepower" and would likely not have had a lengthy stage career. Kelly was performing in Colorado’s Elitch Gardens when she received a telegram from Hollywood producer Stanley Kramer, offering her a co-starring role opposite Gary Cooper in ''High Noon''.

Actress for MGM

Kelly's role as Linda Nordley in MGM's production of ''Mogambo'' garnered her a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress and her first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Although ''High Noon'' increased Kelly's prominence in Hollywood, director John Ford noticed her by seeing a 1950 screen test which showed, he said, that Kelly had "breeding, quality and class". Gene Tierney was initially cast in the role, but due to emotional problems dropped out at the last minute, and the studio flew Kelly to Los Angeles to audition in September 1952. She won the role, along with a 7-year contract at the relatively low salary of $850 a week. Kelly signed the deal under two conditions: First that, one out of every two years, she have time off to work in the theater and second, that she be able to live in New York City, at the now-landmarked Manhattan House, at 200 E. 66th Street. Just two months later, in November, the cast arrived in Nairobi to begin production. She later told Hollywood columnist Hedda Hopper, "''Mogambo'' had three things that interested me. John Ford, Clark Gable, and a trip to Africa with expenses paid. If ''Mogambo'' had been made in Arizona, I wouldn't have done it." The filming timetable afforded her opportunity to indulge in types of activities that undoubtedly would not have been broadcast to the likes of Hedda Hopper or her reading public. Kelly and ''Mogambo'' co-star Ava Gardner enjoyed a break in the production schedule to journey to Rome and supposedly spent time there "brothel-hopping."

After the success of ''Mogambo'', Kelly starred in a TV play ''The Way of an Eagle'', with Jean-Pierre Aumont before being cast in the film adaptation of Frederick Knott's Broadway hit ''Dial M for Murder''. Director Alfred Hitchcock also saw the 1950 screen test and would become one of Kelly's last mentors. He took full advantage of Kelly's virginal beauty on-camera. In a scene in which her character Margot Wendice is nearly murdered, a struggle breaks out between her and her would-be-killer Tony Dawson as she kicks her legs and flails her arms attempting to fight off her killer. ''Dial M for Murder'' opened in theaters in May 1954 to both positive reviews and box-office triumph.

Kelly began filming scenes for her next film, ''The Bridges at Toko-Ri'', in January 1954 with William Holden. The role of Nancy, the wife of naval officer Harry (Holden), proved to be a minor but pivotal part of the story. Released in January 1955, ''The New Yorker'' wrote of Kelly and Holden's unbridled on-screen chemistry, taking note of Kelly's performance of the part "with quiet confidence."

In committing to the role of Lisa Fremont in ''Rear Window'', Kelly unhesitatingly turned down the opportunity to star alongside Marlon Brando in ''On the Waterfront'', which won her replacement, Eva Marie Saint, an Academy Award. "All through the making of ''Dial M for Murder'', he [Hitchcock] sat and talked to me about ''Rear Window'' all the time, even before we had discussed my being in it." Much like the shooting of ''Dial M for Murder'', Kelly and Hitchcock shared a close bond of humor and admiration. Sometimes, however, minor strife would emerge on set concerning the wardrobe:

Kelly's new co-star, James Stewart, was highly enthusiastic about working with her. The role of Lisa Fremont, a wealthy Manhattan socialite and model, was unlike any of the previous women which she had played. For the very first time, she was an independent career woman. Stewart played a speculative photographer with a broken leg, bound to a wheelchair and so reduced to curiously observing the happenings outside his window. Kelly is not seen until twenty-two minutes into the movie. Just as he had done earlier, Hitchcock provided the camera with a slow-sequenced silhouette of Kelly, along with a close-up of the two stars kissing and finally lingering closely on her profile. With the film's opening in October 1954, Kelly was again praised. ''Variety'''s film critic remarked on the casting, commenting about the "earthy quality to the relationship between Stewart and Miss Kelly. Both do a fine job of the picture's acting demands."

Kelly won the role of Bing Crosby's long-suffering wife, Georgie Elgin, in ''The Country Girl'', after a pregnant Jennifer Jones bowed out. Already familiar with the play, Kelly was desperate for the part. This meant that, to MGM's dismay, she would have to be loaned out to Paramount. Kelly threatened the studio that she would pack her bags and leave for New York for good. The vanquished studio caved in, and the part was hers.

The film also paired Kelly again with William Holden. The wife of a washed-up alcoholic singer, played by Crosby, Kelly's character is emotionally torn between two lovers. Holden willfully begs Kelly to leave her husband and be with him. A piece of frail tenderness manages to cloak itself inside of her, even after having been demonized by Crosby, describing "a pathetic hint of frailty in a wonderful glowing man. That appeals a lot to us. It did to me. I was so young. His weaknesses seemed touching and sweet, they made me love him more."

As a result of her performance in ''The Country Girl'', Kelly was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress. Her main competitor for the prize was Judy Garland's much heralded comeback performance in ''A Star Is Born''; playing not only the part of an up and coming actress-singer, but also ironically, the wife of an alcoholic movie star. Although Kelly won the New York Film Critics Circle Award for best actress for her performances in her three big movie roles of 1954 (''Rear Window'', ''Dial M For Murder'', and ''The Country Girl''), she and Garland both received Golden Globe Awards for their respective performances.

By the following March, the race between Kelly and Garland for the Oscar was very close. On the night of the Academy Awards telecast, March 30, 1955, Garland was unable to attend because she was in the hospital having just given birth to her son, Joseph Luft. However, she was rumored to be the odds-on favorite, and NBC Television cameras were set up in her hospital room so that if she was announced as the winner, Garland could make her acceptance speech live from her hospital bed. However, when William Holden announced Kelly as the winner, the technicians immediately dismantled the cameras without saying one word to Garland. Garland was reported not to have been very gracious about Kelly's win, saying in later years, "I didn't appreciate Grace Kelly taking off her makeup and walking away with my Oscar."

In April 1954, Kelly flew to Colombia for a 10-day shoot on her next project, ''Green Fire'', with Stewart Granger. Kelly plays Catherine Knowland, a coffee plantation owner. In Granger's autobiography he writes of his distaste for the film's script, while Kelly later confided to Hedda Hopper, "It wasn't pleasant. We worked at a pathetic village – miserable huts and dirty. Part of the crew got shipwrecked ... It was awful." ''Green Fire'' was a critical and box-office failure.

After the back-to-back filming of ''Rear Window'', ''Toko-Ri'', ''Country Girl'' and ''Green Fire'', Kelly flew to France, along with department store heir Bernard "Barney" Strauss, to begin work on her third and last film for Alfred Hitchcock, ''To Catch a Thief''. Kelly and her co-star, Cary Grant, developed a mutual admiration. The two cherished their time together for the rest of their lives. Years later, when asked to name his all-time favorite actress, Grant replied without hesitation: "Well, with all due respect to dear Ingrid Bergman, I much preferred Grace. She had serenity." The fireworks scene has been the subject of much commentary, as Hitchcock peppers an undertone of sexual innuendo during the sequence.

Marriage

Kelly headed the US delegation at the Cannes Film Festival in April 1955. While there, she was invited to participate in a photo session at the Palace of Monaco with Prince Rainier III, the sovereign of the principality. After a series of delays and complications, Kelly met the prince in Monaco.

Upon returning to America, Kelly began work on ''The Swan'', in which she coincidentally portrayed a princess. Meanwhile, she was privately beginning a correspondence with Rainier. In December, Rainier came to America on a trip officially designated as a tour, although it was speculated that Rainier was actively seeking a wife. A 1918 treaty with France stated that if Rainier did not produce an heir, Monaco would revert to France as a result of the Monaco Succession Crisis of 1918. At a press conference in the United States, Rainier was asked if he was pursuing a wife, to which he answered, "No." A second question was posed, asking, "If you ''were'' pursuing a wife, what kind would you like?" Rainier smiled and answered, "I don't know – the best." Rainier met Kelly and her family, and after three days, the prince proposed. Kelly accepted and the families began preparing for what the press called "The Wedding of the Century." Kelly and her family had to provide Prince Rainier with a dowry of 2 million USD in order for the marriage to go ahead. The religious wedding was set for April 19, 1956. News of the engagement was a sensation even though it meant the possible end to Kelly's film career. Industry professionals realized that it would have been impractical for her to continue acting and wished her well, and Kelly was uninterested in remaining an actress as she aged. Alfred Hitchcock had quipped that he was "very happy that Grace has found herself such a good part."

Preparations for the wedding were elaborate. The Palace of Monaco was painted and redecorated throughout. On April 4, 1956, leaving from Pier 84 in New York Harbor, Kelly, with her family, bridesmaids, poodle, and over eighty pieces of luggage boarded the ocean liner SS ''Constitution'' for the French Riviera. Some 400 reporters applied to sail, though most were turned away. Thousands of fans sent the party off for the eight-day voyage. In Monaco, more than 20,000 people lined the streets to greet the future princess consort.

That same year, MGM released Kelly's last film, the musical comedy ''High Society'' (based on the studio's 1940 comedy ''Philadelphia Story''). One highlight of the film was Kelly's duet with Bing Crosby, singing "True Love," with words and music by Cole Porter.

Princess of Monaco

Kelly and Rainier had both civil and religious weddings. The 40-minute civil ceremony took place in the Palace Throne Room of Monaco on April 18, 1956, and was broadcast across Europe. To cap the ceremony, the 142 official titles (counterparts of Rainier's) that Kelly acquired in the union were formally recited. The following day the church ceremony took place at Monaco's Saint Nicholas Cathedral. Kelly's wedding dress, designed by MGM's Academy Award–winning Helen Rose, was worked on for six weeks by three dozen seamstresses. The bridesmaid's gowns were designed by Joe Allen Hong at Neiman Marcus after Lawrence Marcus visited Monaco. The 600 guests included Hollywood stars David Niven and his wife Hjördis, Gloria Swanson, Ava Gardner, the crowned head Aga Khan, Gloria Guinness, Daisy Fellowes, Etti Plesch, Lady Diana Cooper and Conrad Hilton. Frank Sinatra initially accepted an invitation but at the last minute decided otherwise, afraid of upstaging the bride on her wedding day. The ceremony was watched by an estimated 30 million people on television. The prince and princess left that night for their seven-week Mediterranean honeymoon cruise on Rainier's yacht, ''Deo Juvante II''.

As Princess of Monaco, she founded AMADE Mondiale, a Monaco-based non-profit organization eventually recognized by the UN as a Non-Governmental Organization. According to UNESCO's website, AMADE promotes and protects the "moral and physical integrity" and "spiritual well-being of children throughout the world, without distinction of race, nationality or religion and in a spirit of complete political independence." Her daughter Princess Caroline carries the torch for AMADE today in her role as President.

Children and family

Princess Grace gave birth to the couple's first child, Princess Caroline, nine months and four days after the wedding. Twenty-one guns announced the event, a national holiday was called, gambling ceased, and free champagne flowed throughout the principality. A little over a year later, 101 guns announced the birth of their second child, Prince Albert. Prince Rainier and Princess Grace had three children:

Caroline Louise Marguerite, Princess of Hanover, born January 23, 1957, and now heiress presumptive to the throne of Monaco

Albert II, Prince of Monaco, born March 14, 1958, current ruler of the Principality of Monaco

Princess Stéphanie Marie Elisabeth, born February 1, 1965.

Later years

After the wedding, Prince Rainier banned the screening of Kelly's films. Hitchcock offered Kelly the lead in his film ''Marnie'' in 1962. She was eager, but public outcry in Monaco against her involvement in a film that portrayed her as a kleptomaniac made her reconsider and ultimately reject the project. Director Herbert Ross attempted to lure Princess Grace for his 1977 film ''The Turning Point'', but Prince Rainier quashed the idea. Later that year, Kelly returned to the arts in a series of poetry readings on stage and the narration of the documentary ''The Children of Theater Street''. She also narrated ABC's made-for-television film ''The Poppy Is Also a Flower'' (1966).

As princess, Kelly was active in improving the arts institutions of Monaco, and eventually the Princess Grace Foundation was formed to support local artisans. She was one of the first celebrities to support and speak on behalf of La Leche League, an organization that advocates breastfeeding; she planned a yearly Christmas party for local orphans, and dedicated a Garden Club that reflected her love of flowers.

Kelly was also a member of the International Best Dressed List since 1960.

In 1981, the Prince and Princess celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary.

Personal life

Kelly was the object of the tabloids and gossip throughout her life. Her love life was a particular focus of speculation. Stories of affairs circulated from her first major role in motion pictures and eventually included the names of almost every major actor at the time. It is likely that many of the stories are exaggerated, although she is believed to have had affairs with all of her leading men apart from James Stewart.

During the making of ''Dial M for Murder'', her co-star Ray Milland probably seduced her. Milland was 22 years older than she. Milland was married to Muriel Milland for thirty years, and the couple had a son. Milland assured Kelly that he had left his wife, which she would later find out to have been a lie. Muriel Milland was one of the most popular wives in Hollywood and had the support of many friends, including gossip columnist Hedda Hopper. After Muriel Milland found out about the alleged affair, Kelly was branded a homewrecker. After Kelly gave a press interview explaining her side of the story the town seemed to lose interest in the scandal. It was never proven that Kelly actually succumbed to Milland's advances; in fact, her friends at the time, such as Rita Gam, believed she had little interest in him.

Russian fashion designer Oleg Cassini, having just seen ''Mogambo'' earlier that evening, encountered Grace Kelly having dinner at Le Veau d'Or. Formerly married to actress Gene Tierney, the original choice to play ''Mogambo'''s Linda Nordley, Cassini was raised in Florence and had a cultured air with an abundance of charm and courtliness. He became just as captivated by Kelly in person as he had been while watching her in the film and soon piqued her curiosity by sending her a daily bouquet of red roses. His persistence paid off when she accepted his invitation to lunch, with the provision that her eldest sister, Peggy, join them. Although Kelly and Cassini almost married, their relationship ended with her parents' refusal to accept a divorced non-Catholic as a future son-in-law.

When she was a princess, Prince Rainier laid down a list of strict rules when it came to the encounters with the Princess at the palace, which included, no autographs, no photographs, no audio recording devices, and nobody was allowed to leave the room for anything, unless, and until, the Princess left the room first, so that she would avoid being trapped by a mob of fans. This observation was reported in 1963. Whether either had extramarital affairs is unclear, but the couple had become closer before Kelly's death.

In a 1960s interview, Kelly explained how she had grown to accept the scrutiny as a part of being in the public eye, but expressed concern for her children’s exposure to such relentless scandalmongering. After her death, celebrity biographers chronicled the rumors with renewed enthusiasm.

Friendship with Josephine Baker

In 1951, the newly famous Kelly took a bold stand against a racist incident involving Black American expatriate singer/dancer Josephine Baker, when Sherman Billingsley's Stork Club in New York refused Baker as a customer. Kelly, who was dining at the club when this happened, was so disgusted that she rushed over to Baker (whom she had never met), took her by the arm, and stormed out with her entire party, vowing never to return (and she never did). The two women became close friends after that night. A significant testament to their close friendship was made evident when Baker was near bankruptcy, and was offered a villa and financial assistance by Kelly (who by that time had become The Princess of Monaco) and her husband Rainier III of Monaco. The princess also encouraged Baker to return to performing and financed Baker's triumphant comeback in 1975, attending the opening night's performance. When Baker died, the Princess secured her burial in Monaco.

Death

On September 13, 1982, while driving with her daughter Stéphanie to Monaco from their country home on the French side of the border, Princess Grace suffered a stroke, which caused her to drive her Rover P6 off the serpentine road down a mountainside. The accident site is located at . Grace was pulled alive from the wreckage, but had suffered serious injuries and was unconscious. She died the following day at the Monaco Hospital (renamed ''Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace'' – "The Princess Grace Hospital Centre" in English—in 1985), having never regained consciousness. Kelly was 52 years old. It was initially reported that Princess Stéphanie suffered only minor bruising, although it later emerged that she had suffered a serious cervical fracture.Grace was overweight at the time of her death and a postmortem examination revealed that she had extensive arteriosclerosis and accumulation of fatty plaques in her circulatory system. The medical examiner listed this as a contributing factor in the stroke she had suffered.

Grace was buried in the Grimaldi family vault on September 18, 1982, after a requiem mass in Saint Nicholas Cathedral, Monaco. The 400 guests at the service included representatives of foreign governments and of present and past European royal houses. Diana, Princess of Wales represented the British royal family. Cary Grant was among the members of the film community in attendance. Nearly 100 million people worldwide watched her funeral. Prince Rainier, who did not remarry, was buried alongside her following his death in 2005.

In his eulogy, James Stewart said:

Legacy

The Princess Grace Foundation, Monaco was founded in 1964 with the aim of helping those with special needs for whom no provision was made within the ordinary social services. In 1983, following Princess Grace's death, Caroline, Princess of Hanover assumed the duties of President of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation. Albert II, Prince of Monaco is Vice-President.

The Princess Grace Foundation-USA (PGF-USA) was established following the death of Princess Grace of Monaco to continue the work that she had done, anonymously, during her lifetime, assisting emerging theater, dance and film artists in America. Incorporated in 1982, PGF-USA is headquartered in New York and is a tax-exempt, not-for-profit, publicly supported organization. The Princess Grace Awards, a program of the Princess Grace Foundation-USA, has awarded nearly 500 artists at more than 100 institutions in the U.S. with more than $7 million to date. The Princess Grace Foundation-USA also holds the exclusive rights to, and facilitates the licensing of, Princess Grace of Monaco's name and likeness throughout the world. Princess Grace Foundation-USA

On June 18, 1984, Prince Rainier inaugurated a public rose garden in Monaco in Princess Grace's memory because of her passion for the flower.

In 1993, Princess Grace became the first U.S. actress to appear on a U.S. postage stamp.

During her pregnancy in 1956, Princess Grace was frequently photographed clutching a distinctive leather hand-bag manufactured by Hermes. The purse, or Sac à dépêches, was likely a shield to prevent Kelly's baby bump from being exposed to the prying eyes of the Paparazzi. However, the photographs popularized the purse and became so closely associated with the fashion icon that the purse would thereafter be known as the Kelly Bag.

In 2003, 83 years after Olympic Gold Medalist John Kelly, Sr. was refused entry to the most prestigious rowing event in the world, the Henley Royal Regatta renamed the Women's Quadruple Sculls after his daughter, "Princess Grace Challenge Cup". Princess Grace was invited to present the prizes at the Henley Royal Regatta in 1981 as a peace offering by the Henley Stewards to put a long conflict (61 years) between the Kelly family and Stewards to rest. Her brother, John Kelly, Jr., won the Diamond Sculls at Henley in 1947 and 1949 as well as a Bronze Medal in the single sculls at the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne. In 2004 her son, Prince Albert, presented the prizes at the Henley Royal Regatta.

On April 1, 2006, The Philadelphia Museum of Art presented an exhibition entitled, ''Fit for a Princess: Grace Kelly's Wedding Dress'', that ran through May 21, 2006. The exhibition was in honor of the 50th anniversary of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier's wedding.

To commemorate the 25th anniversary of her death €2 commemorative coins were issued on July 1, 2007 with the "national" side bearing the image of Princess Grace. In Monaco (at the Grimaldi Forum) and the United States (at Sotheby's) a large Princess Grace exhibition, coordinated by the Princely Family, called "Grace, Princess of Monaco: A Tribute to the Life and Legacy of Grace Kelly", celebrated her life and her contribution to the arts through her Foundation.

In October 2009, a plaque was placed on the "Rodeo Drive Walk of Style" in recognition of Princess Grace's contributions to style and fashion.

In November 2009, to commemorate what would have been her 80th birthday TCM named her as star of the month which saw Prince Albert II pay a special tribute to his mother.

Titles and styles

Titles held by the Princess of Monaco, in chronological order:

''Miss'' Grace Patricia Kelly (November 12, 1929 – April 18, 1956)

''Her Serene Highness'' The Princess of Monaco (April 18, 1956 – September 14, 1982)

Princess Grace's official style and title was: ''Her Serene Highness'' The Princess of Monaco, Duchess of Valentinois, Marchioness of Baux, Countess of Carlades, Baroness of Saint-Lô, 101 times Dame. Upon her marriage to Prince Ranier III, she received 138 titles in all.

Screen credits

Filmography

{| class=wikitable |- style="background:#b0c4de; text-align:center;" | Year || Title || Role || Director || Co-stars |- | 1951 || ''Fourteen Hours'' || Louise Ann Fuller || Henry Hathaway || Paul Douglas, Richard Basehart, Barbara Bel Geddes |- | 1952 || ''High Noon'' || Amy Fowler Kane || Fred Zinnemann || Gary Cooper, Katy Jurado, Lloyd Bridges, Thomas Mitchell |- | 1953 || ''Mogambo'' || Linda Nordley || John Ford || Clark Gable, Ava Gardner |- | rowspan=5|1954 || ''Dial M for Murder'' || Margot Mary Wendice || Alfred Hitchcock || Ray Milland, Robert Cummings, John Williams |- | ''Rear Window'' || Lisa Carol Fremont || Alfred Hitchcock || James Stewart, Wendell Corey, Thelma Ritter, Raymond Burr |- |''The Country Girl'' || Georgie Elgin || George Seaton || Bing Crosby, William Holden |- | ''Green Fire'' || Catherine Knowland || Andrew Marton || Stewart Granger |- |''The Bridges at Toko-Ri'' || Nancy Brubaker || Mark Robson || William Holden, Fredric March, Mickey Rooney, Earl Holliman |- | 1955 || ''To Catch a Thief'' || Frances Stevens || Alfred Hitchcock || Cary Grant |- | rowspan=2|1956 || ''The Swan'' || Princess Alexandra || Charles Vidor || Alec Guinness, Louis Jourdan |- | ''High Society'' || Tracy Samantha Lord || Charles Walters || Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Celeste Holm |}

Television appearances and filmography

{| class=wikitable |- style="background:#b0c4de; text-align:center;" | Year || TV series and network || Date of broadcast and episode title || Episode sequence || Cast, writer, director and explanatory notes |- | 1948 || ''Kraft Television Theatre''(NBC) || November 3, 1948:"Old Lady Robbins" || season 2 episode 7 || Ethel Owen, ''Grace Kelly'' |- | rowspan=16|1950 || ''The Philco Television Playhouse''(NBC) || January 8, 1950:"Bethel Merriday" || season 2 episode 19 || ''Grace Kelly'' as Bethel Merriday, Oliver Thorndike, Warren Stevens, Katherine Meskill, Mary Patton, Frank Stephens, Mary K. Wells—————adapted from novel by Sinclair Lewisdirected by Delbert Mann |- | ''Ripley's Believe It or Not''(NBC) || January 11, 1950:"The Voice of Obsession" || season 2 episode 2 || John Hudson, Hildy Parks, ''Grace Kelly'' |- | ''Westinghouse Studio One''(CBS) || January 23, 1950:"The Rockingham Tea Set" || season 2 episode 20 || Starring Louise Allbritton as Celia Arden; Featuring Catherine Willard as Mrs. Arden, Judson Laire as Dr. Waller, Katherine Emmet as Mrs. Gregory; Introducing ''Grace Kelly'' as Sara Mappin, Richard McMurray as David Barr; Other players Cecil Scott and Nell Harrison—————by Virginia Douglas Dawsonadapted by Worthington Miner and Matthew E. Harlibdirected by Franklin Schaffner |- | ''The Philco Television Playhouse''(NBC) || February 12, 1950:"Ann Rutledge" || season 2 episode 24 || ''Grace Kelly'' as Ann Rutledge, Stephen Courtleigh as Abraham Lincoln |- | ''Actors Studio''(CBS) || March 3, 1950:"The Apple Tree" || season 2 episode 22 || John Merivale, Patricia Kirkland, ''Grace Kelly''host: Marc Connelly |- | ''Cads, Scoundrels and Ladies''(NBC) || April 25, 1950:"The Lovesick Robber" || drama special || one-time hour-long live presentation replacing ''The Original Amateur Hour''''Grace Kelly'' appears in "The Lovesick Robber", one of the comedy-drama one-act plays |- |''The Play's the Thing''(CBS) || May 26, 1950:"The Token" || season 1 episode 7 || Mark Roberts, ''Grace Kelly''host: Marc Connelly |- | ''The Play's the Thing''(CBS) || June 9, 1950:"The Swan" || season 1 episode 8 || ''Grace Kelly'' as Princess Alexandra [the role she will play again in the 1956 film], George Keane as Nicholas Agi, Alfred Ryder as Prince Albert, Jane Hoffman as Princess Beatrix, Leopoldine Konstantin as Queen Maria Dominika, Dennis Hoey as Father Hyacinth—————adapted from play by Ferenc Molnárhost: Marc Connelly; directed by David Pressman |- | ''Comedy Theater''(CBS) || July 9, 1950:"Summer Had Better Be Good" || season 1 episode 1 || ''Grace Kelly''—————by Ruth McKenney |- |''Lights Out''(NBC) || July 17, 1950: "The Devil to Pay" || season 2 episode 45 || Jonathan Harris, ''Grace Kelly'', Theodore Marcusedirected by William Corrigan |- | ''Big Town''(CBS) || October 5, 1950: "The Pay-Off" || season 1 episode 1 || Patrick McVey, Mary K. Wells, ''Grace Kelly''directed by David Lowell Rich |- | ''The Clock''(NBC) || October 20, 1950:"Vengeance" || season 2 episode 4 || Torin Thatcher, ''Grace Kelly''—————adapted from novella by Balzacdirected by Grey Lockwood |- | ''The Web''(CBS) || November 1, 1950: "Mirror of Delusion" || season 1 episode 18 || Hugh Franklin, Anna Lee, ''Grace Kelly'', Mary Stuarthost: Jonathan Blake |- | ''Somerset Maugham TV Theatre''(CBS) || November 15, 1950 || season 1 episode 5 || Leo Penn, ''Grace Kelly''—————adapted from story by W. Somerset Maughamhost: W. Somerset Maugham |- | ''Danger''(CBS) || December 19, 1950:"The Sergeant and the Doll" || season 1 episode 13 || Laura Weber, ''Grace Kelly'', James Westerfieldhost: Richard Stark |- | ''The Philco Television Playhouse''(NBC) || December 31, 1950:"Leaf Out of a Book" || season 3 episode 17 || Vicki Cummings, Lauren Gilbert, ''Grace Kelly'', Claudia Morgan [restaged, again on NBC, with most of the same cast, on ''Goodyear Television Playhouse'', broadcast July 6, 1952] |- | rowspan=6|1951 || ''The Prudential Family Playhouse''(CBS) || February 13, 1951:"Berkeley Square" || season 1 episode 10 || Richard Greene as Peter Standish, ''Grace Kelly'' as Helen Pettigrew, Rosalind Ivan as Lady Ann Pettigrew, Mary Scott as Kate Pettigrew—————adapted from play by John L. Balderston |- | ''Nash Airflyte Theater''(CBS) || February 22, 1951:"A Kiss for Mr. Lincoln" || season 1 episode 23 || Richard Greene, ''Grace Kelly'', Bruce Gordon, Sarah Cunningham, Sarah Floydhost: William Gaxtondirected by David Pressman |- | ''Fourteen Hours''(TCF) || first screening:March 6, 1951 || first feature film || Paul Douglas, Richard Basehart, Barbara Bel Geddes, Debra Paget, Agnes Moorehead, Robert Keith, Howard Da Silva, Jeffrey Hunter, Martin Gabel, ''Grace Kelly''directed by Henry Hathaway |- | ''Armstrong Circle Theatre''(NBC) || June 5, 1951:"Lover's Leap" || season 1 episode 53 || Leslie Nielsen, ''Grace Kelly'', Don Murphy, Alan Abel, Larry Buchanan, Michael Keith, Charles Mendick |- | ''Armstrong Circle Theatre''(NBC) || November 27, 1951: "Brand from the Burning" || season 2 episode 11 || Thomas Coley, ''Grace Kelly''host: Nelson Case |- | ''The Philco Television Playhouse''(NBC) || December 30, 1951: "The Sisters" || season 4 episode 6 || Leslie Nielsen, ''Grace Kelly'', Dorothy Peterson, Natalie Schafer—————by Robert Alan Aurthurdirected by Gordon Duff |- | rowspan=16|1952 || ''CBS Television Workshop''(CBS) || January 13, 1952:"Don Quixote" || season 1 episode 4 || Boris Karloff as Don Quixote, Jimmy Savo as Sancho Panza, ''Grace Kelly'' as Dulcinea—————adapted from the Cervantes classicdirected by Sidney Lumet |- | ''Hallmark Television Playhouse''(NBC) || January 20, 1952:"The Big Build Up" || season 1 episode 4 || ''Grace Kelly'' as Claire, Richard Derr, Vinton Hayworth, Parker McCormick, Harry Mehaffey, Elinor Randel—————adapted from novel by Michael Fosterhost: Sarah Churchill; directed by William Corrigan |- | ''Danger''(CBS) || February 5, 1952:"Prelude to Death" || season 2 episode 21 || ''Grace Kelly'', Carmen Mathewshost: Richard Stark |- | ''The Philco Television Playhouse''(NBC) || February 10, 1952:"Rich Boy" || season 4 episode 9 || Gene Lyons as Anson Hunter, ''Grace Kelly'' as Paula Legendre, Phyllis Kirk as Dolly Karger, Kathleen Comegys as Aunt Edna, Mary Jackson, Henry Hart, Robert McQueeney, Tom Pedi, Geoffrey Lumb, David White, Eric Sinclair—————adapted by Walter Bernstein from short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald; directed by Delbert Mann |- | ''Lux Video Theatre''(CBS) || February 18, 1952:"Life, Liberty and Orrin Dudley" || season 2 episode 26 || Jackie Cooper as Orrin Dudley, ''Grace Kelly'' as Beth—————teleplay by John Whedondirected by Richard Goode |- | ''Lights Out''(NBC) || March 17, 1952:"The Borgia Lamp" || season 4 episode 30 || Robert Sterling, ''Grace Kelly'', Hugh Griffith |- | ''Robert Montgomery Presents''(NBC) || June 2, 1952:"Candles for Theresa" || season 3 episode 31 || Robert Sterling, ''Grace Kelly''host: Robert Montgomery |- | ''Kraft Television Theatre''(NBC) || June 11, 1952: "The Cricket on the Hearth" || season 5 episode 40 || Russell Hardie as Edward Plummer, ''Grace Kelly'' as May Fielding—————adaptation of the Dickens classic |- | ''Suspense''(CBS) || Tuesday, July 1, 1952, 9:30–10pm:"Fifty Beautiful Girls" || season 4 episode 41 || Joseph Anthony, Grace Kelly, Rusty Lane, Robert Keith, Jr.; host: Rex Marshall[since this episode and the one below were both broadcast live, research has not yet determined how Grace Kelly could have simultaneously performed in both productions] |- | ''Armstrong Circle Theatre''(NBC) || Tuesday, July 1, 1952, 9:30–10pm:"City Editor" || season 2 episode 41 || Louise Allbritton, Shepperd Strudwick, Grace Kellyhost: Joe Ripley[since this episode was apparently broadcast simultaneously with the one above, it is inexplicable how Grace Kelly could have appeared on both] |- | ''Goodyear Television Playhouse''(NBC) || July 6, 1952:"Leaf Out of a Book" || season 1 episode 20 || Lauren Gilbert, Grace Kelly, Claudia Morgan[restaged production, again on NBC, with most of the same cast, of December 31, 1950 episode of ''Philco Television Playhouse''] |- | ''High Noon''(Stanley Kramer Productions) || first screening:July 7, 1952 || second feature film || Gary Cooper, Thomas Mitchell, Lloyd Bridges, Katy Jurado, Grace Kellydirected by Fred Zinnemann |- | ''Kraft Television Theatre''(NBC) || August 29, 1952:"The Small Hours" || season 5 episode 49 || Lauren Gilbert as Henry Mitchell, Katherine Meskill as Laura Mitchell, Grace Kelly as Dorothy Mitchell—————adapted from play by George S. Kaufman and Leueen MacGrath |- | ''Armstrong Circle Theatre''(NBC) || September 2, 1952:"Recapture" || season 2 episode 48 || Darren McGavin, Grace Kelly, Barbara Baxleyhost: Joe Ripleydirected by Garry Simpson |- | ''Westinghouse Studio One''(CBS) || September 22, 1952:"The Kill" || season 5 episode 1 || Starring Dick Foran as Jeff, Nina Foch as Carrie, Grace Kelly as Freda, Paul Langton as Marsh, Harry Townes as Dave, Don Hanmer as Al, Carl Frank as Link, George Mitchell as Abner, Joe Maross as Nebro, Alan Devitt as Cap Manny, Frank Marth as Bub, James Coots as Sheriff, Arthur Junaleska as Billy, Lynn Loring as Carol—————based on ''The Mountains Have No Shadow'' by Owen Cameron; written for television by Reginald Rose; directed by Franklin Schaffner |- | ''Lux Video Theatre''(CBS) || September 29, 1952: "A Message for Janice" || season 3 episode 6 || Jackie Cooper, Grace Kelly as Janice, George Hall—————by S. H. Barnett from story by Walter C. Browndirected by Richard Goode |- | rowspan=5|1953 || ''Lux Video Theatre''(CBS) || May 14, 1953: "The Betrayer" || season 3 episode 37 || Robert Preston, Grace Kelly as Meg—————written by Charles L. Emmonsdirected by Fielder Cook |- | ''The Philco Television Playhouse''(NBC) || June 7, 1953:"The Way of the Eagle" || season 5 episode 24 || Jean-Pierre Aumont, Grace Kelly |- | ''Kraft Television Theatre''(NBC) || June 17, 1953:"Boy of Mine" || season 6 episode 37 || Henry Jones, Grace Kelly, Martin Newman |- | ''Mogambo''(MGM) || first screening:October 9, 1953 || third feature film || Clark Gable, Ava Gardner, Grace Kellydirected by John Ford |- | ''Toast of the Town''(CBS) || October 18, 1953 || season 7 episode 6 || nine days after release of ''Mogambo'', Grace Kelly performed on America's top-rated star-driven variety program; in other segments: David Wayne, Ralph Meeker, John Forsythe; host: Ed Sullivan |- | rowspan=8|1954 || ''Kraft Television Theatre''(NBC) || January 6, 1954:"The Thankful Heart" || season 7 episode 19 || Florenz Ames, John Stephen[nearly seven months after appearing in her previous live TV drama (on the same anthology series) and, on the brink of movie stardom, with full schedule of film starring roles, Grace Kelly here gives her final performance for the Golden Age of Television] |- | ''26th Academy Awards''(NBC) || March 25, 1954 || second televised Academy Awards || host in Hollywood: Donald O'Connorhost in New York: Fredric MarchGrace Kelly as presenter and also nominee for Best Supporting Actress in ''Mogambo'' |- | ''The Country Girl''(Paramount) || first screening:May 17, 1954 || fourth feature film || Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, William Holdendirected by George Seaton |- | ''Dial M for Murder''(Warner) || first screening:May 29, 1954 || fifth feature film || Ray Milland, Grace Kelly, Robert Cummingsdirected by Alfred Hitchcock |- | ''Rear Window''(Paramount) || first screening:August 1, 1954 || sixth feature film || James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Wendell Coreydirected by Alfred Hitchcock |- | ''Miss America Pageant''(ABC) || September 11, 1954 || first ''Miss America Pageant'' televised || host for the pageant: Bob Russellcommentator for ABC network: John Dalyco-host for ABC network: Bess MyersonGrace Kelly as one of the judges |- | ''The Bridges at Toko-Ri''(Paramount) || Los Angeles preview:September 25, 1954 || seventh feature film || William Holden, Grace Kelly, Fredric Marchdirected by Mark Robson |- | ''Green Fire''(MGM) || first screening:December 24, 1954 || eighth feature film || Stewart Granger, Grace Kelly, Paul Douglasdirected by Andrew Marton |- | rowspan=3|1955 || ''Toast of the Town''(CBS) || January 9, 1955: || season 8 episode 18 || Grace Kelly's second performance on the top-rated variety program; in other segments: José Greco, Forrest Tucker, Guy Mitchell, James Michener, The Shipstad & Johnson Ice Follies with Werner Groebli, The U.S.O. Hollywood Troupe, The Kermond Brothers, Richard Dwyer, Marie Crimmins; host: Ed Sullivan |- | ''27th Academy Awards''(NBC) || March 30, 1955 || third televised Academy Awards || host in Hollywood: Bob Hopehost in New York: Thelma RitterGrace Kelly as presenter and also nominee (and eventual winner) for Best Actress in ''The Country Girl'' |- | ''To Catch a Thief''(Paramount) || first screening:August 3, 1955 || ninth feature film || Cary Grant, Grace Kelly, Jessie Royce Landisdirected by Alfred Hitchcock |- | rowspan=5|1956 || ''28th Academy Awards''(NBC) || March 21, 1956 || fourth televised Academy Awards || host in Hollywood: Jerry Lewisco-hosts in Hollywood: Claudette Colbert and Joseph L. MankiewiczGrace Kelly as presenter |- | ''The Swan''(MGM) || first screening:April 26, 1956 || tenth feature film || Grace Kelly, Alec Guinness, Louis Jourdandirected by Charles Vidor |- | ''The Wedding in Monaco''(MGM) || first screening:May 17, 1956 || short film || 31-minute widescreen filmed record of the wedding of Grace Kelly to Prince Rainierdirected by Jean Masson |- | ''High Society''(MGM) || first screening:July 17, 1956 || eleventh feature film || Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, Frank Sinatradirected by Charles Walters |- | ''The Perry Como Show''(NBC) || September 15, 1956 || season 7 episode 6 || live musical variety program features a segment filmed in the Monaco Royal Palace with Princess Grace and Prince Rainier; in other segments: Irene Dunne, Sal Mineo; host: Perry Como |- ||1958 || ''The Ed Sullivan Show''(CBS) || July 6, 1958 || season 11 episode 41 || third appearance of Grace Kelly, now Princess Grace, on the top-rated variety program, which was officially titled ''Toast of the Town'' until September 11, 1955; the live show presents a segment filmed in Monaco in which Princess Grace and Prince Rainier describe the two years of their marriage, mention 4-month-old Prince Albert and introduce 18-month-old Princess Caroline; in other segments: William Bendix, Carol Burnett, Esther Williams, Harold Lloyd and Duke Lloyd, Sally Blair, Professor Backwards, The Kirby Stone Four, Robert Q. Lewis, The Moridor Trio, Jumpin Joe Monahan, Wilbert Clark, Joe Cook, Jr., Jacqueline Dubeiffe, Elaine Herndon; host: Ed Sullivan |}

Discography

"True Love" (from ''High Society'', duet with Bing Crosby, 1956)

''L'Oiseau du Nord et L'Oiseau du Soleil'', in French and in English (1978)

''Birds, Beasts & Flowers: A Programme of Poetry, Prose and Music'' (1980)

References

External links

Ancestry Chart of Prince Albert

A list of ancestors of Grace Kelly

Princess Grace Foundation – USA

Princely House of Monaco

Grace Kelly Footage

Footage of Grace Kelly's Royal Wedding

Short film about Grace Kelly

1982}}

Category:1929 births Category:1982 deaths Category:20th-century actors Category:Actors from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Category:American Academy of Dramatic Arts alumni Category:American emigrants to Monaco Category:American film actors Category:American people of Irish descent Category:American Roman Catholics Category:American television actors Category:Best Actress Academy Award winners Category:Best Drama Actress Golden Globe (film) winners Category:Best Supporting Actress Golden Globe (film) winners Category:Burials at Saint Nicholas Cathedral, Monaco Category:House of Grimaldi Category:Kelly family Category:Monegasque people of Irish descent Category:Monegasque Roman Catholics Category:Naturalized citizens of Monaco Category:Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre alumni Category:Pennsylvania Democrats Category:People from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Category:Princesses of Monaco Category:Road accident deaths in Monaco Category:Western (genre) film actors

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