Behind Every Star is a Dreamer: The Musical Legends Who Inspired Kelly Clarkson’s Rise to Fame

Every superstar has their own heroes, and Kelly Clarkson is no exception. Long before she became a household name, Clarkson was just a dreamer like the rest of us, soaking up inspiration from the musical legends who came before her. From her raw, powerful vocals to her heartfelt lyrics, Clarkson’s artistry is a blend of her own talent and the influence of the icons she admired growing up. Let’s take a look behind the curtain to explore the legends who helped shape her rise to fame.

1. Aretha Franklin: The Queen of Soul

When Kelly Clarkson first wowed audiences on American Idol with her rendition of Aretha Franklin’s “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” it was clear she was destined for greatness. Franklin’s vocal prowess and emotional depth became a blueprint for Clarkson’s approach to music. The Queen of Soul’s ability to make every note resonate with passion is something Clarkson continually strives for in her own songs.

Clarkson has often mentioned that Franklin’s music was a staple in her household, inspiring her to push the limits of her vocal range and connect deeply with her audience. Franklin’s ability to transform raw emotion into iconic performances undoubtedly laid the foundation for Clarkson’s dynamic stage presence.

2. Whitney Houston: A Vocal Powerhouse

Whitney Houston was another major influence on Kelly Clarkson’s career. Clarkson has frequently cited Houston as a personal idol, noting that her vocal range and control were benchmarks she aimed to reach. Houston’s undeniable power and precision set the bar for what Clarkson hoped to achieve as a vocalist.

Houston’s ballads, such as “I Will Always Love You,” demonstrated how powerful vocals could tell a story, a lesson Clarkson absorbed into her own work. Tracks like “Because of You” and “Breakaway” carry that same emotional weight, and Clarkson’s delivery is often reminiscent of the heartfelt power that Houston was known for.

3. Reba McEntire: The Country Connection

While Clarkson is best known for her pop hits, her country roots run deep, thanks to the influence of country superstar Reba McEntire. Clarkson’s versatility as an artist owes much to McEntire’s ability to seamlessly blend country and pop, making both genres accessible to a broad audience.

The two artists eventually became close friends, and McEntire even became Clarkson’s mother-in-law for a period. Their connection wasn’t just personal, though — McEntire’s storytelling and vulnerability in her music inspired Clarkson to embrace the emotional side of songwriting, as seen in hits like “Piece by Piece.”

4. Celine Dion: Emotion Meets Precision

It’s no secret that Kelly Clarkson has a penchant for powerful ballads, and part of that stems from her admiration of Celine Dion. Known for her vocal clarity and emotional intensity, Dion’s ability to captivate audiences with ballads like “My Heart Will Go On” set an example for Clarkson’s own approach to epic, sweeping anthems.

Dion’s precision in both live and studio performances pushed Clarkson to hone her craft and refine her technique, allowing her to effortlessly transition from powerful belting to soft, intimate vocals within a single performance.

5. Mariah Carey: The Master of Melisma

Mariah Carey’s incredible vocal range and her signature melisma have also left a lasting impression on Kelly Clarkson. Carey’s ability to add emotional texture through vocal runs inspired Clarkson to experiment with her own style, blending power and agility in tracks like “Since U Been Gone.”

Carey’s fearless exploration of high notes and intricate vocal riffs encouraged Clarkson to embrace her own vocal capabilities, never shying away from challenging herself in her music.

Conclusion: A Star with Idols of Her Own

Kelly Clarkson’s journey from a small-town girl to a global superstar was undoubtedly shaped by the icons who came before her. Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Reba McEntire, Celine Dion, and Mariah Carey each played a role in molding Clarkson’s musical identity, providing her with both inspiration and aspiration.

Behind every great artist is a trail of legends who paved the way, and in Clarkson’s case, those legends helped her not only find her voice but also create a sound that’s uniquely hers. Today, Clarkson stands tall among her idols, and she, too, has become an inspiration for a new generation of dreamers.