Belting Out! Kelly Clarkson Stands Up To Unrealistic Body Expectations
The 'American Idol' lashes back at the criticism of her weight.
June 21 2018, Published 6:14 p.m. ET
In 2002 a fresh-faced, 20-year-old Kelly Clarkson walked into the first season of American Idol and wound up taking home the title. She was a nice girl from Texas; the girl next door with a waistline almost as thin as her early-2000s eyebrows. But for some, she just wasn't thin enough. Though her career has brought her three Grammys and dozens of awards, her success has often been pushed aside in favor of a longstanding commentary on her body, which has transformed several times over the years.
MORE: Who's That Girl? Kelly Clarkson Rocks Weight Loss On The Red Carpet
In her early days of fame, Clarkson was a cookie-cutter crooner, thin and conventionally attractive, but even at her thinnest, she received criticism. On American Idol she was bigger than some of the other girls, but by no means a "big girl." Of course, in Hollywood, rules of logic do not apply! Luckily, the Texan came to play and has always had a strong foundation of confidence and a relatively healthy body image, in spite of a brief bout with Bulimia in her teens. Throughout her career, Clarkson has often been quoted, speaking about how she loves her body and feels confident on the red carpet.
MORE: Kelly Clarkson Loses Weight- See The Before and After Pics
Between being in the spotlight and giving birth to two babies, the last few years have seen Clarkson giving some extra attention to her body and dealing with some ups and downs, literally. Toward the end of 2017, she cut back on sugar, adopted a high protein diet, and committed to a workout program. The results have been the topic of conversation for many, especially those who follow Clarkson as a host on The Voice. As per usual, the voice of the public remains intrigued and critical. Some have speculated that Clarkson's weight loss has been extreme, but those who have been paying attention can clearly see that she has only ever fluctuated between a few sizes. These days, Clarkson is walking around with a much trimmer figure and only time will tell where she settles in. Luckily, confidence and tenacity seem to be in her genes.
It’s All About The Music
Clarkson said that in the beginning she made the most sense, aesthetically, but even as she stopped forcing herself to maintain a tiny figure, her star power has remained the same.
Wait, really?
For the most part, Clarkson has been smaller than the average American woman.
Life On Camera
Clarkson has never been much for making racy headlines, but the press has definitely made a career of commenting on her weight.
The Good Old Days?
Clarkson definitely had some thinner days. She was also around 20-years-old.
Winner Winner, Chicken Dinner!
A 20-year-old Kelly Clarkson took home the first win on American Idol. She was the girl next door in a T-shirt and jeans, but some complained about the size of her jeans.
If You Got It, Flaunt It
For a few moments in her career, Clarkson definitely played up her slim body, in spite of a few who felt otherwise!
Still Thinner Than The Average Woman
Though the average woman in the US is around a size 14 Clarkson, several sizes smaller than that, has also been admired by some as a more average-bodied celebrity.
Red Carpet Glam
A Young Kelly Clarkson enjoyed one of many years of Grammy Awards.
The Judgiest Place On Earth
Clarkson has learned first-hand that she can't go anywhere without being photographed. She has tried to enjoy her life in spite of the paparazzi and has lived a relatively normal life compared to other celebs, going out without a full face of makeup.
The Skinniest Days
Clarkson was svelte at the beginning of her Idol journey, often appearing with a bare midriff or fully exposed arms.
Kids Role Model
An ideal role model, young Kelly Clarkson was the picture of the American Dream and an inspiration to folks old and young.
Going for it!
As Clarkson rose to fame in the early 2000s, she often showed off a little extra skin, like this backless top!
Gorgeous Gown
Even at her thinnest, Clarkson received criticism for her weight.
A Little Extra
Killin it, curves and all.
Always Smiling
This 30-something Clarkson has delivered two babies, and delivered dozens of hit songs. She's not a size two, but she always sports a beautiful smile.
Role Model
In 2017, when she received a tweet with the words "you're fat" she tweeted back "and still f***ing awesome."
Expressive and Powerful
No matter what her size, those around Kelly Clarkson have always reacted to her powerful and expressive presence. Now a judge on "The Voice" Clarkson has quickly become known for crying...often.
Surprise! She Loves Her Body
Those who aren't a size two are often pegged as self-hating, but Clarkson has been all about body-positivity at any size.
She Came To Play!
It's easy to forget that in every season, Clarkson has delivered on what she's here to do: Sing!
Rockin A Black Princess Gown
Kelly Clarkson has always been pro body-positivity, showing off her curves at every weight!
A Little Extra On Top?
Sometimes those examining Clarkson's photos can fairly comment that she has put on a few pounds
Or Not!
And sometimes, what looks like a few new pounds is simply a bad angle.
The Real Girl Next Door
Clarkson's base level weight often has her looking like she could be any woman on the street—helping to create room in the music industry for those who are not a size four.
Fat and Happy?
Clarkson commented that although folks have speculated that she may not be doing well when she's heavier, but those times are typically her happiest!
She’s Had Two Kids!
Clarkson has commented that she may not be at her goal weight, but she's had two kids! She's become a positive spokesperson for all women who have faced the way their body changes after childbirth.
Obsession?
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"The Media Has Always Been Obsessed With My Size," Clarkson has said.
Sangin!
At any size, Clarson has consistently sung her face off, pleasing fans all over the world.
Back Up!
Clarkson shows off her curves at the Halo Awards.
Media Labeled Her Weight As A ‘Health Crisis’
Though her top weight was about 200 pounds, the media went crazy and often labeled her as a health crisis, suggesting she was obese, and ignoring the fact that she was a new mother.
Life Beyond Size Six
A "curvy" Kelly Clarkson posed at an event with the same smile she has worn in a smaller size. According to Clarkson, she loves herself at any size.
How Did She Do It?
What's Clarkson's secret to weightless? She has a personal chef!
On Her Way!
Clarkson got particularly devoted to her health and weight loss at the end of of 2017—her hard work is apparent through her confident smile.
Diets With Benefits
Clarkson has reaped some major benefits of a low sugar, high protein diet. Her hard work has definitely paid off.
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