Kelly Clarkson

Did you know that Kelly Clarkson has scored the biggest Billboard Hot 100 hit of any American Idol contestant to date?

Despite being released in 2005 and only peaking at #2 on the Hot 100, “Since U Been Gone” is still the most successful song by any American Idol contender. Ironically, the version of the track that became an anthem and earned her a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance was almost shelved when Clarkson clashed with Clive Davis, who detested the guitars and Pop/Rock production added to the originally sugary tune.

Thankfully, Clarkson held her ground against Davis and her efforts earned her a spot in the history books. Thus far, the singer has landed 3 #1 hits on the Hot 100, including “My Live Would Suck Without You”, which set the record for the largest leap to the chart summit when it vaulted from #97 to #1 in February 2009. Additionally, as of July 2013, Clarkson was ranked as the 75th most successful artist in the history of the Hot 100.

Watch the video for Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone” below:

Now you know!