Kelly Clarkson would like to set the record straight. Contrary to Internet and industry rumours of a radical rock reinvention, she is not having delusions of head-banging grandeur - and she doesn't think she is Courtney Love. As she prepares for the world-wide release of her third album, My December, Clarkson, 25 - who shot to fame when she won the inaugural American Idol TV show - is incredulous at any comparison to Kurt Cobain's hard-living, rocker widow.
My friend sent me this thing as a joke written by some person, who hasn't even heard the album, saying `Kelly Clarkson is the new Courtney Love','' says Clarkson, laughing. The album is nothing like Courtney Love - I like Courtney Love, but that's major alternative rock. People are making it out like I am trying to be some kind of rock star - I'm not Metallica, it's not a rock album.
Certainly the Texan singer's third effort is darker in tone and heavier in sound than its predecessors - the poppy debut Thankful (2003) and the mega-selling Breakaway (2005), the second-best selling album in Australia - won two Grammys and spawned the smash hits Since U Been Gone, Because Of You and Walk Away. New tracks Judas and Never Again deal with betrayal, Haunted is about a friend's suicide and Hole, with lines such as there's a hole in me, so cold, slowly killing me'' hints that, despite fame and success, Clarkson's life is not all the sweetness and light suggested by her chirpy demeanour. But there are also poppy, playful and radio-friendly songs on the album.
There are definitely a lot of sad songs there, but there is some inspiring stuff as well,'' she says. It's kind of all over the place. I like it that way.
'' Clarkson's confidence, gained in part from having sold more than 15 million copies of her first two albums, has helped her to be more comfortable with sharing her innermost thoughts and feelings with the world. For someone who writes so much about failed relationships, Clarkson says she is happily single, is not too keen on marriage or motherhood and has never said I love you'' in a relationship. Her workaholism aside, Clarkson has battled through relationships with people intimidated by her success and life in the public eye - a recurring theme in her music, such as the supremely funky, Yeah.
Relationships and dating in general suck, but then you add a big spotlight in there and it does get a little more hectic and crazy,'' she says. I don't complain because I don't really want a serious relationship - I'm not that person right now. I love my job, I'm a workaholic, so it doesn't bother me so much right now.
But it will - I know it's coming.'' My December is released on Saturday. What is this?
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..'I'm no Courtney Love wannabe'.
Also in Insider Kelly Clarkson would like to set the record straight.
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