The essential Kelly Clarkson playlist

In 2002, Kelly Clarkson stormed into the world of mainstream music with "A Moment Like This," the first single released after she won the inaugural season of "American Idol." The song was an instant hit, peaking at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. 

The title track of Clarkson's 2004 sophomore album, "Breakaway" was both a massive hit and a statement about her newfound independence as an artist post-Idol. It earned both critical acclaim and commercial success, cementing Clarkson as a bonafide pop star. 

Written by Clarkson as a teenager in the midst of her parents' divorce, "Because of You" is a raw and emotional look at how that trauma shaped her view on relationships. Later, Clarkson recorded a version of the song with her mother-in-law (at the time) and country legend Reba McEntire to similar success. 

Also an emotional track about the healing power of love, "Piece by Piece" is the title track from Clarkson's seventh full-length album. 

Originally intended for Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson lent her powerhouse vocals — and lyrics — to "Miss Independent" in 2002. The song shot to #1 on the pop charts and showed the world that Clarkson was much more than just a reality TV star. 

The lead single from her fifth album, "Stronger" proved that Kelly Clarkson's pop prowess had serious staying power in 2011. The song's title may also reflect the battles that Clarkson had with her record label in the mid-00s.

A break-up anthem for the ages, "Since U Been Gone" is the perfect song for belting in your car after ending a terrible relationship. The song immediately resonated with music fans and is now widely considered one of the best pop songs of the '00s. 

Rock-fueled guitars and Kelly Clarkson's powerhouse soprano combine on "My Life Would Suck Without You," a 2008 pop hit that shot from #97 to #1 on the Billboard chart within the span of a week. 

Co-written by Clarkson and OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder, "Already Gone" is a classic Kelly Clarkson ballad. Even though its arrangement was criticized for being eerily similar to Beyonce's "Halo," it still boasts stellar vocals from Clarkson, who infused the track with tons of raw emotion. 

Teaming up with country star Jason Aldean, Kelly Clarkson brings her own touch of Texas twang to "Don't You Wanna Stay." The popular duet was a crossover success on the pop and country charts and has since been certified Platinum twice by the Recording Industry Academy of America. 

In 2018, Kelly Clarkson embraced her curves and encouraged all women to do the same on "Whole Lotta Woman." "I'm a whole lotta woman, anything I see I want, I get," Clarkson sings on the song's endlessly catchy chorus. "I'm a strong, bādass chick with class and confidence." Amen. 

Infused with R&B, hip-hop, and pop elements, "Love So Soft" is a showcase of Kelly Clarkson's remarkable versatility. It was a smash hit with critics and earned Clarkson a Grammy Award for Best Solo Pop Performance in 2018. 

Even though it was never a #1 hit, "Behind These Hazel Eyes" remains a fan favorite among Clarkson obsessives thanks to its soaring high notes and emotive lyrics. 

The poppy, upbeat "Heartbeat Song," released in 2015, earned Clarkson a Grammy nomination while marking her sixteenth top-40 hit. It's also just ridiculously fun to dance and sing along to whenever you're a little bummed. 

Clarkson made a strong statement against so-called "hookup culture" in 2009. In the lyrics, the artist makes a point of shouting out her relationship philosophy: if you wanna earn Kelly Clarkson's love, you're going to have to work for it. 

Released on Clarkson's debut album "Thankful," many fans prefer the live version of "Beautiful Disaster," which appeared on her sophomore album the following year. It's packed with the emotive, powerful singing that Clarkson is known for, plus a pretty piano arrangement. 

A lot of Kelly Clarkson songs are rooted in self-empowerment, perhaps none more so than "Invincible," which appeared on her 2015 album "Piece by Piece." "I am invincible," she sings on the song's powerful chorus. "I ain't a scared little girl no more." 

It wasn't exactly a commercial smash, but brooding ballad "Sober" is still a Kelly Clarkson classic that earned a great deal of critical acclaim upon its release in 2003.