In the fall of 2002, Kelly Clarkson became an overnight sensation after she won the first season of Fox’s televised singing competition, “American Idol.” A brilliant blend of vocal powerhouse and charming, relatable personality, Clarkson took that reality-TV lightning bolt and turned it into an astonishingly successful career. In addition to being one of the definitive figures in 2000s popular music, she has become a talk-show host, a talent-show judge in her own right, and apologies to Mariah, but a potential new queen of Christmas music. Nearly 25 years after “A Moment Like This” led to the birth of a legit new idol, and on the eve of her new phase as an independent artist, the Great Pop Culture Debate wants to look back and attempt to name the Best Kelly Clarkson Song –- at least until mid-2026, when we’re recording this.

Songs discussed: “Since U Been Gone,” “You Can’t Win,” “A Moment Like This,” “Catch My Breath,” “Because of You,” “Sober,” “Behind These Hazel Eyes,” “Never Again,” “Breakaway,” “Beautiful Disaster,” “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You),” “Already Gone,” “My Life Would Suck Without You,” “The Trouble With Love Is,” “Miss Independent,” “Walk Away”

Join host Eric Rezsnyak and panelists Curtis Creekmore, Jake Pitochelli, and Steven Salvatore as they discuss and debate 16 of the best songs from the first 25 years (almost) of Kelly’s career.

For the warm-up to this episode, in which we discuss additional Kelly Clarkson songs that didn’t make the bracket, become a Patreon supporter of the podcast today.

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Episode Credits

Host: Eric Rezsnyak

Panelists: Curtis Creekmore, Jake Pitochelli, Steven Salvatore

Producer: Derek Mekita

Editor: Bob Erlenback

Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch

#kellyclarkson #kellyclarksonsongs #americanidol #2000s #2000smusic

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