Kelly Clarkson

American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson proves America voted wisely, as she delivers a strong, soulful debut. A bit glossy, yes, but the ease with which Clarkson glides from R&B-influenced power ballads ("The Trouble With Love") to pop offerings ("Low") suggests her career has genuine legs.

What have they done to our Kelly, those canny men pulling the strings of her
post-American Idol career? Her single last fall, "A Moment Like This," signaled that she might
be headed toward the Mariah-Whitney-Celine radio-ballad sausage mill. Thankful puts those
fears to rest: The album's producers jam Clarkson into the stilettos of MTV sexpots ranging
from Faith Hill ("Low") to Vanessa Carlton ("Just Missed the Train") to Christina Ag... More >