Best Kelly Clarkson Song
In the fall of 2002, Kelly Clarkson became an overnight sensation after she won the first season of Fox’s televised singing competition, “American Idol.” A brilliant blend of vocal powerhouse and charming, relatable personality, Clarkson took that reality-TV lightning bolt and turned it into an astonishingly successful career. In addition to being one of the definitive figures in 2000s popular music, she has become a talk-show host, a talent-show judge in her own right, and apologies to Mariah, but a potential new queen of Christmas music. Nearly 25 years after “A Moment Like This” led to the birth of a legit new idol, and on the eve of her new phase as an independent artist, the Great Pop Culture Debate wants to look back and attempt to name the Best Kelly Clarkson Song –- at least until mid-2026, when we’re recording this.
Songs discussed: “Since U Been Gone,” “You Can’t Win,” “A Moment Like This,” “Catch My Breath,” “Because of You,” “Sober,” “Behind These Hazel Eyes,” “Never Again,” “Breakaway,” “Beautiful Disaster,” “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You),” “Already Gone,” “My Life Would Suck Without You,” “The Trouble With Love Is,” “Miss Independent,” “Walk Away”
Join host Eric Rezsnyak and panelists Curtis Creekmore, Jake Pitochelli, and Steven Salvatore as they discuss and debate 16 of the best songs from the first 25 years (almost) of Kelly’s career.
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Round 1 Match-Ups:
Play along at home by finding the listener bracket here. Make a copy for yourself, fill it out, and see if your picks match up with ours!
Match-Up 1: “Since U Been Gone” (1) vs. “You Can’t Win” (4)
Match-Up 2: “Catch My Breath” (3) vs. “A Moment Like This” (2)
Match-Up 3: “Because Of You” (1) vs. “Sober” (4)
Match-Up 4: “Never Again” (3) vs. “Behind These Hazel Eyes” (2)
Match-Up 5: “Breakaway” (1) vs. “Beautiful Disaster” (4)
Match-Up 6: “Already Gone” (3) vs. “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” (2)
Match-Up 7: “My Life Would Suck Without You” (1) vs. “The Trouble With Love Is” (4)
Match-Up 8: “Walk Away” (3) vs. “Miss Independent” (2)
Want a playlist with all 16 discussed songs, plus additional picks from our panelists? Here it is for you:
Want to play along at home?
Download the Listener Bracket and see if your picks match up with ours!
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Episode Credits
Host: Eric Rezsnyak
Panelists: Curtis Creekmore, Jake Pitochelli, Steven Salvatore
Producer: Derek Mekita
Editor: Bob Erlenback
Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch
