Kelly Clarkson is the greatest vocalist of my generation.
Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson Isn’t Here For Clive Davis
Music industry legend, Clive Davis is known for being the man with the golden ears. Jump starting the careers of great commercial artists such as Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys and Usher, Davis has a knack for talent.
Let me tell you a thing or two about Kelly Clarkson. Kelly Clarkson is a legend in the making. Taking the title as the first American Idol, fan favorite Kelly Clarkson is down to earth, relatable, and massively talented. Sure, a lot of her back catalogue is light, pop-rock and doesn’t even begin to prove how strong, thick, effortless and beautiful her voice is, but if you listen to tracks like “Because of You,” “Sober,” Beautiful Disaster (acoustic),” or most of “My December” you will know what I’m referring to if you don’t know already.
Kelly and Clive had a very public spat regarding Kelly’s “My December” album before and after it was released. Clive felt there weren’t any pop hits on it and felt the writing and material itself was weak. Kelly fought hard for the release of this work and it ultimately became a cult fan favorite. Clive is now releasing an autobiography on his professional and personal life. In one chapter Clive refers to his time working with Kelly and cites that they had differences and she cried in his office. Kelly released a statement to her fans telling her side of the story and she wasn’t too happy. Then Clive replied back and now I want to buy the damn book and I played Kelly Clarkson’s Greatest Hits in my car yesterday. Marketing at its finest.
Kelly’s statement:
So I just heard Clive Davis is releasing a memoir and spreading false information about me and my music.
I refuse to be bullied and I just have to clear up his memory lapses and misinformation for myself and for my fans. It feels like a violation. Growing up is awesome because you learn you don’t have to cower to anyone – even Clive Davis.
First, he says I burst into “hysterical sobbing” in his office when he demanded Since You Been Gone be on my album. Not true at all. His stories and songs are mixed up.
I did want more guitars added to the original demo and Clive did not. Max, Luke and I still fought for the bigger sound and we prevailed and I couldn’t be more proud of the life of that song. I resent him dampening that song in any way.
But, yes, I did cry in his office once.
I cried after I played him a song I had written about my life called “Because Of You.” I cried because he hated it and told me verbatim that I was a “sh*tty writer who should be grateful for the gifts that he bestows upon me.”
He continued on about how the song didn’t rhyme and how I should just shut up and sing. This was devastating coming from a man who I, as a young girl, considered a musical hero and was so honored to work with.
But I continued to fight for the song and the label relented. And it became a worldwide hit. He didn’t include that in the book.
He also goes on to say My December wasn’t successful because I co-penned the album and it didn’t have “pop hits”. Well, first let me say, I’ve co-penned many of my “pop hits.” Secondly, My December went platinum (It sold 20,000 less than All I Ever Wanted which followed My December.) Hardly a huge failure. Never Again, the ONLY single they released in the US from that record was a Top 10 hit. I am very proud of that and I have my fans to thank.
But, again, what’s most interesting about his story is what he leaves out: He doesn’t mention how he stood up in front of his company at a convention and belittled me and my music and completely sabotaged the entire project. It never had a chance to reach it’s full potential. My December was an album I needed to make for myself for many reasons and the fact that I was so completely disregarded and disrespected was so disheartening, there really aren’t words to explain….
Anyway, I love my job. I love my music. I love my fans. I love my label and all of my professional relationships… now. And I am grateful for Clive for teaching me to know the difference.
Cheers to another amazing year! And, as always, thanks for listening!
Clive’s response:
As anyone who has read “The Soundtrack of My Life” knows, I think Kelly Clarkson is a tremendous vocal talent and performer. In the book, I provide an in-depth look at our years together during which we shared major multi-platinum success, as well as a few creative differences. I am truly very sorry that she has decided to take issue with what I know to be an accurate depiction of our time together. Before the book was published, I had every fact checked with five independent individuals who were present on a daily basis throughout it all. The chapter as it is written was thoroughly verified by each and every one of them. I stand by the chapter as written in my book. At the same time I wish, and will always wish, Kelly’s talent and her career to soar to ever new heights.
-Clive Davis
Source: http://www.atrl.net
Jewel “Foolish Games” Featuring Kelly Clarkson
Jewel is releasing a Greatest Hits compilation and on it she has re-recorded her hit “Foolish Games” with the Queen of vocals, KeLEGEND ClarkSUS. Now, I know what you’re thinking; “dream come true,” “smash,” “DEAD.” And you’re right. Kelly comes in on the second verse but so does way too much percussion. You know how “Behind These Hazel Eyes” starts off with all of the drums? Imagine that, but in “Foolish Games.” “Foolish Games” does not need drums. Let the power of their vocals add the energy and dramatics.
“Foolish Games” is my favorite Jewel song. I used to sit in my room and be sad listening to this song (I had yet to even have a boyfriend, I was just dramatic.) I deemed this song “the saddest song in the world” because it is.
Jewel plans to tour in promotion of the Greatest Hits, but nowhere in California. Shade.
Kelly Clarkson, Rihanna and Bruno Mars Perform on The Voice
Kelly burst onto the stage with her latest single “Catch My Breath” and she sang that song with such ease. The last two notes she hits at the end are pure bliss, the highlight of the performance. I know KeLEGEND is performing on The Voice, but get those two off the stage. Their bland, lifeless voices made me mad.
Dang Rih! You a waitress? Serving them trained vocals on a silver platter. Like I’ve mentioned in previous Rih-Rih posts, her vocals this era have been top notch. Not only have he vocals been superb, her outfits are on.point. Mama loves it when a woman wears a nice pant suit and Rihanna pant suit was sparkly, chic and definitely something I would wear if I had legs.
Bruno’s live vocals are identical to his studio vocal, amazing. His stage presence gets me all hot and bothered. I like how you can see all of his teeth when he talks and sings. I need to get over this crush. The only way thats possible is if I see him in person and our height difference becomes a reality. Isn’t he like 5’5”? OMG, I just got to the part of the performance when he goes into his falsetto. Shaking. Crying.
Know what I’m a fan of? When an artist is performing and they pan to celebrities in the audience to show their reaction. I live for that. Christina was all into Bruno’s performance. Go Tina! Looking cute, rocking that bob wig.
Kelly Clarkson “Catch My Breath” Live On Ellen
Miss Kelly Clarkson in all her glory performing “Catch My Breath” on Ellen with perfect stage presence and perfect vocals. Kelly gracefully worked the stage and audience as she glided through her latest hit. Kelly looks and sounds wonderful and I was excited throughout the performance. Not only is Kelly a great performer, she is also very gracious. Always giving her band the recognition that they deserve because, after all, they are the ones providing the music for her voice to soar through. Take notes Rihanna.
Kelly Clarkson Greatest Hits Medley At The American Music Awards
Kelly graced us with a phenomenal performance at last night’s American Music Awards. Starting off performing in front of three judges seated in front of her, a la American Idol, Kelly belted “Miss Independent,” then melted into “Since U Been Gone,” “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You),” then finishing off with her latest hit “Catch My Breath.”
KeLEGEND is an assassin with her monster vocals. Yeah, she can belt, but she can also hit that soft spot in all of us when she sings softly and uses her natural tone. I can go on and on about how much I love Kelly as an artist. Sure, her music is safe, but it makes good for a road trip or karaoke night because come on, who doesn’t know the lyrics to at least one Kelly Clarkson hit?
Listen to Kelly Clarkson’s “People Like Us”
What kind of futuristic pop/rock magic is this? WITCH! WITCH! What is this sorcery?
Kelly, girl, thank you for answering my prayers and slapping me in the face with this ANTHEM! It’s not the best we’ve heard from Kelly but its up there. I’m about to put this on my iPod and bop to it while I drive to San Diego tomorrow. I feel empowered. My ovaries are dancing.
Kelly Clarkson “Catch My Breath” Music Video
As KeLEGEND Clarkson prepares to release a Greatest Hits album on November 19th, the lead single from the set “Catch My Breath” now has a visual. The video is nothing more than pretty backgrounds, chic outfits and Kelly showing off her bodacious body while flipping her hair around. I loved it. Simple, elegant and to the point. The long, black dress with the gold belt, that alone makes up for all of the frumpy, unflattering caca-clothes she has been wearing for the past 3 years. I might have to re-register my STAN card.
Kelly Clarkson On The CMA’s
KeLEGEND Clarkson performed a new track off of her Greatest Hits tonight at the CMA’s with Country superstar, Vince Gill. “Don’t Rush” is the second new song released from Clarkson’s Greatest Hits compilation.
Can we talk about a few things? This song is flawless. Like, flawfree. Free of flaws. No flaws detected. The melody of “Dont’ Rush” is cool, laid back and mellow. It’s BBQ music. Another thing, Kelly is looking real good. She is giving me “Breakaway” era, American Idol days, and “The Trouble With Love Is” realness. Her body is on point, her hair is cute and her dress, I have a love/hate relationship with it. Love the top part, but the bottom part looks too stiff. Yeah, I know what you’re thinking, its supposed to be all about the music, but she’s a pop star, its never just about the music. Ever.
Kelly Clarkson’s Graduation Announcements
Please join us in celebrating the academic achievements of Kelly Clarkson. Class of 2012
Wait, she’s not graduation? Oh, this is the cover for her Greatest Hits?
Okay, so I would ahead and say that I STAN for Mr. Clarkson (typo, and it stays), but when I see all of her hits listed in one place, I can’t help but think, damn I thought she had a better catalogue. I like how only ONE song from “My December” is part of the track list. “My December” is hands-down the BEST Kelly Clarkson album that has ever been. That is the type of music she should be making. That is the type of music she wants to make because she fought so hard for that album to come out just as she wanted. The follow up “All I Ever Wanted” had some good songs on it, but a lot of the songs were fluff and the best songs were never released as singles: “All I Ever Wanted,” “Cry,” “Save You” and the Katy Perry penned “Long Shot.” The order of the songs was a mirror image of her 6 million selling “Breakaway” album and it was so obvious.
Ugh, I’m just a frustrated STAN. Kelly has had the same pop/rock sound for way too long. The only growth she showed was with “My Decemeber” then she went back to her Avril Lavigne-pop/rock. Here’s hoping that this Greatest Hits album will mark the end of her Kidz Bop music and she’ll start to deliver more singer/songwriter, soul, rock-type music.
FYI, “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” was NOT a hit.
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Pop Stars Are Not Real People 