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Kelly Clarkson | Smartless

By Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, Will Arnett

Dive into the inspiring journey of Kelly Clarkson on the "SmartLess" podcast with hosts Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, as they welcome the illustrious songstress and talk show host to their show. From the challenges she faced before her breakthrough on "American Idol" to her unique experiences in the entertainment industry, Clarkson shares a candid account of her rise to fame, her dedication to music, and the complexities of stardom. Her open conversation sheds light on the unpredictability and the underlying human element in the world of show business, painting a picture of an artist committed to remaining true to herself amidst industry pressures.

The transition from chart-topping singer to the beloved host of "The Kelly Clarkson Show," is yet another highlight of this engaging podcast episode. Clarkson reveals the behind-the-scenes decision-making that led to her foray into daytime television and the exhilaration of broadcasting from the iconic 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Listeners get a taste of the humility and relatability that have endeared Kelly to fans worldwide, as she recounts stories of logistical hiccups and the thrill of continuing her career in such a historic venue. Tune in to this episode of "SmartLess" for an intimate exploration of Clarkson's multifaceted career and the lessons learned along the way.

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Kelly Clarkson | Smartless

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Kelly Clarkson | Smartless

1-Page Summary

Kelly Clarkson's Journey from Small Town to Stardom

Kelly Clarkson speaks with Sean Hayes about her ascent from a hometown girl to a celebrated "American Idol" winner and her ensuing struggles in the entertainment business. Recounting her path to "American Idol," Clarkson mentions the hardships like her house burning down and sleeping in her car until an audition for the show changed her trajectory. Unfamiliar with the show's format initially, she ultimately captivated audiences with her authenticity and versatility, which clashed with production's glamour expectations. Post-victory, Clarkson's classification in the industry was uncertain, with executives like Bob Davis perplexed by her varied musical tastes. Luckily, she managed to stay true to her musical passion rather than being pushed into acting, releasing a single ahead of the obligatory movie and thus securing her musician status.

Music Career Highs and Lows

Clarkson reflects on her journey as both a songwriter and interpreter of other artists' works, mentioning collaborations with stars like Katy Perry and Pink. She values storied songwriting and enjoys the interpretive aspect of music, which she showcases on her talk show. Addressing stardom's "human factor," Clarkson opens up about deceit and ulterior motives she encountered in the industry. She touches upon the pressures to conform to a pop star image, which clashed with her personal values and preferences.

The Kelly Clarkson Show

From music to television, Kelly Clarkson has transitioned smoothly into a daytime talk show host on NBC, showcasing her natural ability to connect with audiences. Initially hesitant, Clarkson was persuaded by her ex-husband to embrace the hosting opportunity. She reveals the move of "The Kelly Clarkson Show" to NBC's 30 Rockefeller Plaza, recounting her amazement and sense of belonging at this new but recognizable venue. Despite minor logistical issues like a faulty key, Clarkson is excited to broadcast from a spot steeped in entertainment history, directly across from Jimmy Fallon's studio.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Kelly Clarkson has spoken about facing deceit and hidden agendas in the music industry, highlighting instances where she encountered dishonesty and hidden motives from individuals within the industry. This suggests that Clarkson has experienced situations where people may not have been transparent or genuine in their interactions with her, leading to challenges and complexities in her career. Such experiences could have included encountering individuals who may have had conflicting intentions or who were not forthright in their dealings with her, potentially impacting her professional journey and personal well-being.
  • Kelly Clarkson faced pressures to conform to a traditional pop star image, which typically involves a certain look, style, and behavior expected by the industry. This image often includes aspects like a specific physical appearance, fashion choices, and performance style that align with mainstream pop music standards. Clarkson's resistance to fully conform to these expectations may have led to conflicts with industry norms and challenges in navigating her career as a musician.

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Kelly Clarkson | Smartless

Kelly Clarkson's Journey from Small Town to Stardom

Sean Hayes and Kelly Clarkson discuss her rise to fame, from her beginnings as a small-town girl to winning "American Idol" and her subsequent challenges in the music industry.

Her start on American Idol and initial experiences in the music industry

Hayes recalls the immense popularity of "American Idol's" first season and Clarkson’s standout presence as a little town girl who became a pop star. Clarkson acknowledges that her victory on the show and the public's role in it paved the way for her success, allowing her to cultivate an open and relatable persona similar to the familiarity she experienced in her hometown.

Clarkson's journey to "American Idol" was full of challenges. Her home had burned down, resulting in her sleeping in her car and contemplating her return to Texas. However, a friend's tip about the "American Idol" audition sparked a significant change in plans. Clarkson wasn't aware it was a television show until the third audition, and she sang "At Last" multiple times before switching to something faster, a Madonna song, to diversify her performances.

During her time on the show, Clarkson didn't conform to the producers' expectations for glamour—eschewing constant makeup and styling due to personal preferences and allergies—which put her in hot water with a high-ranking producer.

Post-"American Idol," Clarkson faced an uncertain path in the industry as executives, ...

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Kelly Clarkson's Journey from Small Town to Stardom

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Bob Davis was an executive in the music industry who was involved in Kelly Clarkson's career before Clive Davis. Clive Davis, a renowned music industry executive, later became a significant figure in Clarkson's career. Bob Davis and Clive Davis are not related; they are two distinct individuals with separate roles in the music business. Kelly Clarkson's interactions with these executives influenced her early experiences in the industry.
  • The "American Idol" contract terms for winners historically included a provision that required the winner to star in a movie as part of their prize package. This clause was intended to help leverage the winner's newfound fame and expand their career beyond music. Contestants like Kelly Clarkson navigated these terms strategically to prioritize their music careers while fulfilling contractual obligations in the entertainment industry.
  • After "American Idol," Kelly ...

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Kelly Clarkson | Smartless

Music Career Highs and Lows

Songwriting, producing her own records, and interpreting other artists' songs

Clarkson shares insights into her music career, revealing her dual role as both a songwriter and an interpreter of other artists' work ever since her first album. She mentions collaborating with celebrated songwriters like Katy Perry, Christina Aguilera, Sia, and Pink. Emphasizing her love for storytelling through song, Clarkson also details how she enjoys the creative process of interpreting music, an approach she demonstrates on her talk show.

Ups and downs working in the entertainment business

Experiencing abrupt life changes after her "American Idol" victory, Clarkson discusses the assorted challenges that followed, focusing on the "hu ...

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Music Career Highs and Lows

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Kelly Clarkson's dual role as a songwriter and interpreter means that she not only writes her own music but also performs songs written by other artists. This versatility allows her to showcase her skills in both creating original music and putting her unique spin on existing songs. By collaborating with renowned songwriters, she can bring fresh perspectives to her own music while also honoring the work of others through her interpretations. This dynamic approach to music creation highlights Clarkson's adaptability and artistry in the industry.
  • The "human factor" of fame often involves dealing with intense public scrutiny, managing personal relationships under the spotlight, and facing the pressure to maintain a certain image. Post-"American Idol," challenges for contestants like Clarkson could include sudden fame, increased media attention, and the struggle to balance personal identity with the expectations of the entertainment industry. These challenges may lead to issues such as privacy invasion, struggles with self-esteem, and difficulties in navigating the complexities of fame and success.
  • Navigating dishonesty and hidden agendas in the entertainment industry involves dealing with deceitful practices and ulterior motives that can be prevalent in show business. This can include encountering individuals who may not always have genuine intentions or who may manipulate situations for personal gain. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for artists like Clarkson to pr ...

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Kelly Clarkson | Smartless

The Kelly Clarkson Show

Kelly Clarkson, known for her down-to-earth charm and openness, transitions her stellar musical career into the bright lights of daytime television as the host of her own talk show on NBC.

Transitioning into hosting a talk show on NBC

Kelly Clarkson was approached to host a talk show by NBC executives who had seen her natural ease in connecting with people during her time on "The Voice." Despite Clarkson's initial reluctance, doubting her fit for the role as she didn't see herself as a journalist or comedian, it was her ex-husband who encouraged her to step into the hosting gig, citing her individual strength in engaging with her audience.

Moving locations to 30 Rockefeller Plaza

Transitioning "The Kelly Clarkson Show" to NBC’s iconic 30 Rockefeller Plaza felt like a seamless move to Clarkson, who has been familiar with the building due to promotional activities over the past two decades. Exuding her usual candidness, she shares her disbelief and excitement about being in such a legendary location, feeling like ...

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The Kelly Clarkson Show

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Kelly Clarkson transitioned from her successful music career to hosting a talk show on NBC after being approached by NBC executives who recognized her ability to connect with people. Initially hesitant due to not seeing herself as a traditional host, she was encouraged by her ex-husband to embrace the opportunity. This move marked a significant shift in her career trajectory, showcasing her versatility and charisma in a new role.
  • 30 Rockefeller Plaza is an iconic location in New York City that houses NBC Studios and is known for its historical significance in broadcasting. Kelly Clarkson's show moving to this location symbolizes a shift towards mainstream television and aligns her with the legacy of NBC. Being in 30 Rockefeller Plaza provides Clarkson with a prestigious platform and connects her show to the rich history of television production at NBC.
  • Kelly Clarkson's ex-husband encouraged her to host the talk show, highlighting her ability to engage with audiences as a strength. His support played a significant role in Clarkson's decision to take on the hosting role despite her initial doubts.
  • Kelly Clarkson's show, "The Kelly Clarkson Show," is locat ...

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