- published: 16 Feb 2006
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Kelly Brianne Clarkson (born April 24, 1982) is an American singer, songwriter and occasional actress. Clarkson came into prominence after becoming the winner of the inaugural season of the television series American Idol in 2002 and later was 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 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), surpassed "A Moment Like This"'s record for the biggest leap to number one on a single week in the history of the Billboard Hot 100 Chart, a milestone it still holds today. Furthermore, it also became her first number one single in the United Kingdom. Clarkson's fifth studio album, Stronger, was released in 2011, containing elements from synthpop, R&B and country music. The album's single, "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" (2012), became her longest number one single and eventually became her best-selling single in the United States.
Julia Stone (born 13 April 1984) is an Australian singer and songwriter from the northern beaches of Sydney. Julia began playing the trumpet at an early age and was raised by parents who had both performed as a folk music duo. Her musical career began in 2006 known internationally as the sister half of the Aria award winning brother-sister duo, Angus & Julia Stone.
Angus & Julia Stone have released six EPs, a compilation and two albums since they began recording together in 2005. After five years spent touring as Angus & Julia Stone, Julia released her first solo album The Memory Machine in 2010. The Memory Machine was well received by fans and critics and has sold more than 12,000 copies in Australia and overseas. Angus & Julia’s most recent LP Down The Way debuted at number 1 in their native country and is now triple platinum. It was the highest-selling album by an Australian artist in 2010. and has since reached platinum status through their record company Discograph. The duo won ARIA Album of the Year and ARIA Single of the Year at the 2010 Australian Record Industry Awards. They also received number 1 position in the Triple J Hottest 100 for Big Jet Plane in 2011.