Kelly Clarkson Was Pressured To Be Sexual As A Young Rising Star, She Had To “Fight Just To Be Herself”

Kelly Clarkson was only 20 years old when she won American Idol back in 2002. 20 years later, Clarkson has made a name for herself by creating several hit songs like “Stronger” and “Since U Been Gone.” She’s won a total of 79 awards over the years, including three MTV Music Video Awards, a Grammy, and an Emmy.

But Kelly Clarkson’s career wasn’t always smooth sailing. As a rising pop star, Clarkson has had to stand up for herself to fight the pressure of being sexualized. In an interview with Variety, she recalls what it was like being thrust into the limelight after winning Americal Idol. “It was not great,” said Clarkson. “It was just really hard for me to navigate the industry. I remember this one tool I worked with — this dude came over my house and put down some magazines and was like, ‘So this is what you’re competing with.’ There were naked people on the cover!” 

While most young celebrities would be eager to listen to their managers, Clarkson decided to speak up for herself. "But that's just not my vibe, artistry-wise,” she says. “A little mystery goes a long way for me. But I literally looked at this older white man and was like, 'Uh, no. That's not what I'm competing with. It might be what you feel like I am competing with, but that's not me.'"

Clarkson had to remain vigilant in defending her authenticity throughout her career. While Clarkson doesn’t demonize the industry’s hypersexual artists, she understood that the style wasn’t something she personally resonated with. “Women love to be sexual. Everybody likes to be flirty. Everybody likes to be sensual. But every woman is not just that one thing; we are multifaceted,” Clarkson explains. “And they try to take that one thing and blow it up. I had to fight like hell to make sure that it didn’t push the envelope for me. I think it’s hard if you’re a young girl, a teenager. You’re still growing up.” 

A little mystery goes a long way for me.

When the interviewer asked the "Stronger" singer how she was able to stick to her guns despite the heavy pressure being placed on her, she said, "The biggest thing for me is I never thought I'd be fighting so hard to just be myself. People don't think what you are is going to sell is going to make them money. And I was like, 'Well, I am just going to be me. If that happens for you, that's great. If it doesn't, sorry.' It's worked out, the hard work. But it was very hard."

Today, Clarkson hosts the critically acclaimed talk show The Kelly Clarkson Show. Her authenticity, wit, and kindness allow her to connect with her celebrity guests, garnering millions of daily views. The show’s success is due to Clarkson’s lack of fear in being vocal, honest, and entertaining, and it looks like her efforts in refusing to be a copy of other female artists has paid off.

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