Kelly Clarkson: Redefining Beauty Standards in the Entertainment Industry
Becoming an American Icon
Kelly Clarkson, who rose to stardom after winning ‘American Idol’ in 2002 at just 20 years old, is much more than a singer. Over the years, she has shattered records, hosted TV shows, and earned numerous awards. Notably, her 2002 singles “Before Your Love” and “A Moment Like This” broke The Beatles’ record for the biggest leap to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.
“Success isn’t measured by aesthetics but by the impact you make.”
The Many Facets of Clarkson
Now 41, Clarkson has built a diverse career. She’s been a judge on singing competition shows like ‘Duets’ and ‘The Voice,’ and has her own talk show, ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show,’ which has earned her 13 Daytime Emmy Awards. All this while balancing life as a single mother and even authoring children’s books.
Facing Unwanted Scrutiny
Despite her immense success and range of talents—from country to rock and pop—Clarkson finds that public conversations often revolve around her weight. She feels that society’s beauty standards and aesthetic judgments overshadow her achievements.
“People should focus on their own health and happiness, rather than judging others.”
Finding Happiness in Authenticity
In an interview with Redbook, Clarkson spoke candidly about her relationship with her body. She emphasized that her happiness doesn’t depend on her weight, and that societal judgments about her physique are not a true measure of her well-being. When she’s heavier, she’s often happier, challenging the conventional notions of beauty and success.
Pressure from the Industry
In a 2020 interview with Glamour, Clarkson revealed feeling more industry pressure to conform when she was thinner. She also mentioned her struggle with an autoimmune condition and hyperthyroidism, which affect her weight. Despite these challenges, Clarkson managed to improve her health by switching to an organic, non-GMO diet, leading to a weight loss of 37 pounds. However, she emphasized that her primary concern was her health, not societal beauty standards.
“I’m in this industry as an entertainer, not as a model. Judge me for my talent, not my appearance.”
A Role Model for Body Positivity
Clarkson considers artists like Adele as beacons of true talent that transcends appearance. She emphasized that it’s the responsibility of artists to shift public focus from aesthetics to talent and personality.
Embracing Aging Gracefully
Looking forward, Clarkson is unafraid of aging. She humorously stated that she’d look like a “Shar Pei” with wrinkles and is not interested in cosmetic interventions.
“Aging is a part of life, and I hope people see that this is how you look when you get older.”