Becoming America’s sweetheart after winning American Idol in 2002, Kelly Clarkson is unapologetically happy with her physique and refuses to be caught up in the beauty circus that demands physical perfection of celebrities. Clarkson, the multiple award-winning singer and TV host, suggests that artists change the narrative, valuing talents above all else.
Rising to Stardom
Only 20 years old when she impressed the hard-to-please Simon Cowell, Clarkson experienced a boom in her career, collecting numerous successes along the way. Her debut singles “Before your Love” and “A Moment Like This” broke records and she sang the anthem at the NBA finals and the 2012 Super Bowl. Now 41, the charming Clarkson continues to shine as a judge on singing competitions and as the host of her own talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, which is currently in its fourth season.
Defying Judgment
Despite her numerous accolades and versatile style, online audiences often only see one thing: her weight gain. But Clarkson has learned to block out the noise. She shares, “No one actually cares about your health. They just care about aesthetics. It’s when I’m fat that I’m happy. People should just concentrate on their own lives and their own happiness.” Clarkson recognizes the importance of prioritizing one’s own well-being and embracing happiness in whatever form it takes.
Battling Beauty Standards
Dealing with the perfectionist beauty standards held by society today, Clarkson still faces judgment for her fluctuating weight. But she refuses to let it define her. Clarkson reveals that she felt more pressure when she was thinner and unhealthy due to the competitive nature of the industry. Now, she confidently walks into the room, daring anyone to say something negative about her appearance.
Embracing Change
Clarkson has been open about her struggles with an autoimmune condition and hyperthyroidism, which affect her weight. She emphasizes that she has little control over these fluctuations and has learned to manage the symptoms through a healthy diet. Clarkson’s focus is not solely on weight loss, but on overall well-being.
Talent Over Appearance
As an entertainer, Clarkson firmly believes that she should be judged for her talent, not her looks. She shares that her success on television was not due to her sex appeal or aesthetics, but her personality and ability to create genuine connections. She urges artists to shift the focus away from appearance and onto their abilities, forcing people to adopt a more appreciative mindset.
Embracing Aging
Clarkson also embraces the natural process of aging and refuses to succumb to societal pressures. She humorously jokes about looking like a “total Shar Pei” as she ages, but appreciates the beauty and wisdom that comes with getting older. Clarkson hopes that others will see her embrace aging and realize that it’s a natural part of life.
Kelly Clarkson is a shining example of someone who’s beautiful both on the inside and outside. She urges people to appreciate artists for their talents and reminds us that true beauty comes from within. Let’s celebrate Clarkson and her incredible career, focusing on what truly matters.
