www.beaversonidol.com/art...rtist.html
Kelly Clarkson: The Woman Behind the Artist
by Andrea Hebert (2004/07/27)
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In a world where we tend to focus on the crazy antics of stars, where the media tends to be enwrapped in the mishaps of Spears, Aguilera or Lopez, it is sometimes highly refreshing to see artists who genuinely inspire their fans. Artists whose goodness may not grace the cover of every tabloid magazine, or may not be discussed on every talk show, but whose good deeds do not go unnoticed either. And the perfect people to take notice are most certainly the fans.
In a way, American Idol has produced stars who, for the most part, have not only remained true to themselves but have showed an amazing amount of gratitude towards the people who helped them achieve their dreams the fans. And if anything, Kelly Clarkson is one of them.
On July 14th of this year, fans of Clarkson got a taste of what it is like to support an artist who seemingly takes as much joy if not more in giving as she does in receiving. After being out of the spotlight for a few months a smart move for every artist once in a while Clarkson gave an interview to Ryan Seacrest on his daily radio show, promoting her new contribution to the Princess Diaries 2 Soundtrack. Upon hearing of the appearance, fans gathered in front of the studios, some loyals arriving around 3 in the morning for a small glimpse of their Idol. Clarkson waved, smiled, acknowledged her fans from the window as many artist would. But her generosity did not stop there. Swamped with interviews and on her way to a recording session, she took time out of her insanely busy schedule for her fans in ways that went beyond what was expected or required of her. After learning that ten fans or so had been there since the middle of the night, and in the impossibility to make her way outside, she, herself, arranged with security for them to be brought inside for a private meet and greet. She spent time with each and every one of them, making sure everyone got pictures, autographs, chats, and even goofed around with them for a good amount of time. It didnt matter whether she was in a hurry or not, or whether people were waiting for her, or that she had an album she was on her way to record. Kelly Clarkson made her fans feel like they were her first priority that morning, something Im sure all involved will never forget.
To many, that was a refreshing exception to the celebrity rule." To her fans, it was only one more instance where shes given them something to be thankful for.
Most people know her as the Original American Idol. Many know her as the engaging performer that shes become. Her voice has garnered her praises all over the world. Her talent has propelled her to where she is today. Shes graced magazine covers, been the main features of numerous newspapers, been a guest on most shows on television right now. And everywhere she goes, its that talent she possesses that prevails. They talk about her songs, her music, her concerts, who she works with, who she might be dating, who said what about her, her appearance, her chart positions, but what they rarely mention are those little things that make sales figures seem almost irrelevant in the eyes of fans.<O:P> Its her generosity and the lack of restraint with which she gives back to her fans that very few publications ever talk about.
We will rarely see magazines mention how she walked into a mall in December 2002, took down all remaining angels from an Angel Tree and proceeded to buy each and every one of these underprivileged children Christmas present, inspiring thousands of fans out there to follow in her footsteps. We wont hear reporters discuss the fact that on her very few days of vacation, Clarkson took the time to personally call some of her fans to thank them for wonderful gifts she received from them. I doubt there will ever be a mention of her attempts, which never came to fruition but were inspiring nonetheless, at starting a charity to collect books, motivating young people to read more. We probably wont hear of her participation in the Make A Wish foundation, how she signs everything people send to her fan club address, every single person who ever wrote her something receiving a personalized autograph, or the numerous times shes displayed the kind of generosity towards fans that she demonstrated on July 14th.
And the funny thing is, Kelly Clarkson herself probably doesnt care if the world ever knows.
Why? Because thats Kelly. She doesnt do these things for recognition or publicity. She does them because she wants to. She does them because she likes it.
She does them because thats who she is.
She inspires her fans, and gives them every reason to be Thankful."
Sometimes, we are lucky enough to find admirable talent and even luckier to find an admirable woman behind it.
Thank you, Kelly.
------------------------------------------------------------
Andrea Hebert is 23 years old and is a Languages and Translation/Creative Writing student at University in Montreal, Canada. Comments on this article may be posted in the Rant Room for further public feedback.
Kelly Clarkson: The Woman Behind the Artist
by Andrea Hebert (2004/07/27)
------------------------------------------------------------
In a world where we tend to focus on the crazy antics of stars, where the media tends to be enwrapped in the mishaps of Spears, Aguilera or Lopez, it is sometimes highly refreshing to see artists who genuinely inspire their fans. Artists whose goodness may not grace the cover of every tabloid magazine, or may not be discussed on every talk show, but whose good deeds do not go unnoticed either. And the perfect people to take notice are most certainly the fans.
In a way, American Idol has produced stars who, for the most part, have not only remained true to themselves but have showed an amazing amount of gratitude towards the people who helped them achieve their dreams the fans. And if anything, Kelly Clarkson is one of them.
On July 14th of this year, fans of Clarkson got a taste of what it is like to support an artist who seemingly takes as much joy if not more in giving as she does in receiving. After being out of the spotlight for a few months a smart move for every artist once in a while Clarkson gave an interview to Ryan Seacrest on his daily radio show, promoting her new contribution to the Princess Diaries 2 Soundtrack. Upon hearing of the appearance, fans gathered in front of the studios, some loyals arriving around 3 in the morning for a small glimpse of their Idol. Clarkson waved, smiled, acknowledged her fans from the window as many artist would. But her generosity did not stop there. Swamped with interviews and on her way to a recording session, she took time out of her insanely busy schedule for her fans in ways that went beyond what was expected or required of her. After learning that ten fans or so had been there since the middle of the night, and in the impossibility to make her way outside, she, herself, arranged with security for them to be brought inside for a private meet and greet. She spent time with each and every one of them, making sure everyone got pictures, autographs, chats, and even goofed around with them for a good amount of time. It didnt matter whether she was in a hurry or not, or whether people were waiting for her, or that she had an album she was on her way to record. Kelly Clarkson made her fans feel like they were her first priority that morning, something Im sure all involved will never forget.
To many, that was a refreshing exception to the celebrity rule." To her fans, it was only one more instance where shes given them something to be thankful for.
Most people know her as the Original American Idol. Many know her as the engaging performer that shes become. Her voice has garnered her praises all over the world. Her talent has propelled her to where she is today. Shes graced magazine covers, been the main features of numerous newspapers, been a guest on most shows on television right now. And everywhere she goes, its that talent she possesses that prevails. They talk about her songs, her music, her concerts, who she works with, who she might be dating, who said what about her, her appearance, her chart positions, but what they rarely mention are those little things that make sales figures seem almost irrelevant in the eyes of fans.<O:P> Its her generosity and the lack of restraint with which she gives back to her fans that very few publications ever talk about.
We will rarely see magazines mention how she walked into a mall in December 2002, took down all remaining angels from an Angel Tree and proceeded to buy each and every one of these underprivileged children Christmas present, inspiring thousands of fans out there to follow in her footsteps. We wont hear reporters discuss the fact that on her very few days of vacation, Clarkson took the time to personally call some of her fans to thank them for wonderful gifts she received from them. I doubt there will ever be a mention of her attempts, which never came to fruition but were inspiring nonetheless, at starting a charity to collect books, motivating young people to read more. We probably wont hear of her participation in the Make A Wish foundation, how she signs everything people send to her fan club address, every single person who ever wrote her something receiving a personalized autograph, or the numerous times shes displayed the kind of generosity towards fans that she demonstrated on July 14th.
And the funny thing is, Kelly Clarkson herself probably doesnt care if the world ever knows.
Why? Because thats Kelly. She doesnt do these things for recognition or publicity. She does them because she wants to. She does them because she likes it.
She does them because thats who she is.
She inspires her fans, and gives them every reason to be Thankful."
Sometimes, we are lucky enough to find admirable talent and even luckier to find an admirable woman behind it.
Thank you, Kelly.
------------------------------------------------------------
Andrea Hebert is 23 years old and is a Languages and Translation/Creative Writing student at University in Montreal, Canada. Comments on this article may be posted in the Rant Room for further public feedback.
