American Idol has been a consistent smash hit on television for the past seven years.
First year winner Kelly Clarkson has achieved tremendous success, thus paving the way and legitimizing the competition for all those who would perform after her.
To date, only Carrie Underwood has truly rivaled Kelly Clarkson for the un-offical title: "The Greatest American Idol." Here is a side by side comparison of the two Christian girls from the South whose triumphant success has inspired millions and forever flavored the world of both pop and country music.
| Full Name | Carrie Marie Underwood | Kelly Brianne Clarkson |
| DOB/Age | March 10, 1983 (26) | April 24, 1982 (27) |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian | Caucasian |
| Sexuality | Heterosexual | Heterosexual |
| Martial Status | Single, never married | Single, never married |
| Natural Hair color | Blonde | Blonde |
| Eye color | Hazel | Hazel |
| Height | 5' 3.5" | 5' 3.5" |
| Weight | 120 lbs | over 120 lbs |
| Hometown | Checotah, Oklahoma | Burleson, Texas |
| Religion | Christian | Christian |
| Education | Bachelor's Degree 2006 | High School Diploma 2000 |
| Formal Vocal Training | None | None |
| Won American Idol | 4th Season, May 25th 2005 (age 22) | 1st Season, Sept. 4th 2002 (age 20) |
| Movies | N/A | From Justin to Kelly |
| 1st Album | Some Hearts | Thankful |
| 2nd Album | Carnival | Breakaway |
| 3rd Album | Play On | My December |
| 4th Album | N/A | All I Ever Wanted |
| U.S. Sales | 10.5 Million and climbing | 10.4 Million and climbing |
| World-wide Sales | 14 Million+ | 23 Million + |
| Biggest Hit | Jesus Take The Wheel | Since U Been Gone |
| Sings & Writes songs | Yes | Yes |
| Records Set | First Country Music Artist in History to have ten #1 singles from first two albums
First Country Music Artist to debut at #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 |
Biggest leap to the top of Billboard Hot 100 from #97 to #1 First artist at #1 on both AC and Top 40 with two different songs First artist to ever have two songs in the top 3 on Billboard top 100 chart |
| Other comparisons | Vegetarian; youngest of 3 children | Slightly lactose intolerant; 2 siblings + many step-siblings |
So who do you think is "Greater"? Oklahoma's Carrie Underwood with her beauty, open faith, and an amazing string of hits in such a short period of time? Or trail-blazing Texan Kelly Clarkson with her powerful vocals, versatile style and global appeal? Perhaps you favor one of the other American Idol Alumni who made it big despite the odds? Cast your vote in the first poll below and let your voice be heard. (no sign up necessary) Spread the word to others and be sure to come back to see the results.
both photos from the Associated Press, 2009 American Music Awards (Chris Pizzello, Matt Sayles)
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Comments
I have to say that I couldn't pick a favorite. Both girls are shining role models for my daughters. I am extremely amazed at both girls climb up the ladder of success, with holding still to their strong values and christian beliefs. Fun comparison.
Clarkson without a doubt. Both are extremely talented but Carrie limits herself by sticking with the neo-country format.
I have to admit, I am surprised thus far ... over 100 votes and 4 out of 5 people would choose Carrie Underwood.
Doesn't Kelly write many of the songs she sings? I never researched it to find out but I am pretty sure she does. I'm kind of impressed by that alone. They are both really really good and seem rather unaffected by their fame...which is a good thing.
No offense to Carrie, but a lot of Kelly's accomplishments mean more than Carries, just because she's a pop act and not a country act, where competition isn't quite as fierce. Keep in mind that when it says "top ten hits" for Carrie on that chart, it means on the COUNTRY charts, not the Hot 100. Kelly has had two Hot 100 #1's, six top tens, and three top twenty hits in addition to that... those are some serious stats. Not to mention that a lot of those achievements were done through radio airplay plus digital sales, and not just digital sales... as a lot of artists tend to get their chart success today.
Kelly, as a worldwide artist, is undeniably more successful.
coz pop music is more popular, so it's easier for her to do that, but anyways Carrie earns more money, coz these days u make money from tours. Besides, Carrie dominates award shows!
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2325976/forbes_magazine_list_of...
Kelly sits at home, eats, drinks, and watches carrie on TV hahaha
I like Carrie, but KC has more/more meaningful accomplishments. Her voice is just out of this world (amazingly strong/emotional) and her personality is just the best; very grounded. She just takes the best meet and greet pics with her fans; funny! And I love how she stands up for herself. She doesn't just go with the trend. She pours her all into every performance. Sorry to say, but Carrie just seems a bit too robotic in those last 2 fields. And as someone else mentioned, KC does write a lot of her own songs. He first album she wrote 2, her second 3 or 4, she wrote her whole 3rd album, and her latest she wrote 6 of the songs. That's awesome (especially for a pop star) Guess the sales say it all. The USA isn't the only country worthy of anything. The world loves KC.
It's Kelly for me all the way. better vocals, better personality and a sweet next door personality which carrie lacks. it's very easy to give a pretty girl a hit. Kelly clarkson worked her butt off more then any idol IMHO!
Kelly is better. Because her voice takes on very different genres. Although Carrie won Idol, her voice always has the that country twang to me. As well as Kelly having done extremely well overseas. Carrie hasn't even done well at all outside the US. Maybe Before He Cheats only, but overall you don't see her selling out arenas outside US. And obviously Kelly was the first Idol and eventually gave credibility to the show. Even Simon said it himself that without Kelly, there is no Idol credibility.
Without the success of KC there wouldn't be a CU. Nobody knew what would come out of that show and then KC blew. Without a doubt AI wouldn't be what it is now (maybe not even around) if she hadn't succeeded. Simon was once asked which idol he thought was the best, I think it was some time last year. His response:"Kelly, by a mile".
I just don't get why anyone would pick Carrie over Kelly. I'm not a fan of Kelly and I am a huge Carrie fan. But as a Carrie fan I will say Kelly is indeed a much better vocalist, more range and versatility. And her music has touched overseas and has even went up against rap, r&b artist and she won and got #1 against all of those people. As much as I love Carrie, the country music scene is very non competitive. I mean it's the same people go up against each other over and over again. Kelly as I said goes up against every genre constantly which is harder. And I agree Kelly is the OG Idol. But still prefer Carrie personally. But overall Kelly wins this.
Even the Pope loves KC. She's performed for him. That's a pretty good one I think :D
KC by far. She's in a more competitive field than Carrie and is very well holding her own. She's broken some major records and received some major accomplishments. Yet she's still very well grounded and constantly giving back to her fans and those less fortunate. Her vocal range is amazing (Simon has put her up there with Mariah/Celine) and she can sing ANYTHING. Can't forget that she was nominated for a grammy last year for her COUNTRY duet with Reba. She's performed with rascall flatts. During her last concert she coverd Patsy Cline, The White Stripes, and the Black Keys. Talk about versatility. She gets major airplay. Her single AG hit the top 5 in pop, #12 on AC and still rising, and is currently in it's 6th week at number 1 on HAC (breaking her own record) and not dropping anytime soon. KC all the way :)
Kelly Clarkson, just her voice alone would make me pick her, but she also is much more successful. In 2005, she had hit after hit and Breakaway sold 13 million worldwide (that's just one album). Her last album Kelly wrote EVERY song which is just amazing. She is consistent with at least a top 10 hit from each album. She has had like 6 or 7 # 1 radio hits. She is always changing her style so no one will ever get bored of her (not that I would anyways). She sings the blues, rock, pop, country-- you name it. As much as I like Carrie, Kelly easily wins.
Love both ladies, and I applaud them for all they've accomplished. I like country music more than pop, but based strictly on pure voice, stage presence, and raw talent, my vote goes for Kelly. I've never seen a singer so flawlessly and effortlessly float between genres, able to sing whatever is put in front of her and make it sound like the song always belonged to her. That was belief was solified for me when I saw KC in concert and she sang all her hits, along with an Alanis Morrisette/Kings of Leon mash-up and Patsy Cline's famous hit, "Walking After Mindnight"... KC is the greatest Idol for me.
wow ... looks like Kelly's fans came out of the woodwork, Carrie was winning by far but now Ms. Clarkson is ahead after news of Carrie's engagement?
Gotta go with my girl Kelly Clarkson! She's prolly the top artist of the decade.
Kelly has more exciting and truly artistic materials. And she really knows how to interpret songs in a mature way.
Kelly can hold her own against the likes of U2, Radiohead and Arcade Fire in terms of songwriting ability. I think that's the measure of being a true artist.
Carrie is a mere singer but Kelly is an artist.
Carrie is a mere singer but Kelly is an artist.
Kelly all the way! She is the best female singer in the world.
Kelly Clarkson is the only Idol I listen to. I think she's the only one who could have "made it" with out the show.
I voted for Kelly. She's the best artist to have ever come from a talent show.
Apart from that, she's had many more hits in the US and of course the rest of the world.
I'm from Holland and the only reason I've ever heard of Carrie is because I searched up the other american idols a few years ago. Nobody here has ever heard about CU.
Not only is Kelly a worldwide star, she has a voice that touches people; Her biggest hit in Holland is Because of YOu, in which she vocally is very strong.
Everybody knows Clarkson. And if they don't: if they hear her songs, they're like: IS that her? Wow, I love her songs!
Mulit-multi-multi-talent Kelly just rocks, people. That's why she's winning this poll.
Love Carrie! She is definitely my favorite though I like Kelly. I watched AI both years these girls were on and only voted for Carrie. She is beautiful, talented, geniune and I just love her voice much better than Kellys. I actually like Carrie's songs better, too. I have all 3 of Carrie's albums and only one of Kellys. Both girls are great..but Carrie is definitely my choice!!!
Carrie all the way! She was a definite standout the year she was on Idol. I actually liked Justin as much as Kelly the year she was on. Both women are good but Carrie has my vote. As for John who said Kelly was the only one that would have made it without Idol...I totally disagree. She wasn't making it as a singer before Idol. I think both girls needed Idol and glad they did.
I love both ladies and it is hard to pick a favorite. Carrie's been around three years less than Kelly but has some remarkable accomplishments in that span of time. Although I think both are great vocalists, I would have to pick Carrie because her voice has a crispness and purity about it that not many vocalists have. She, like Kelly can sing any genre of music as she has proven by her appearances on many all genre music shows. I have seen Carrie in concert several times and she is one of the best live performers I have seen. For having one less album and being around less time Carrie's album sales are more than comparable considering she has not toured internationally. Both ladies seem to be great people and awesome singers and I am a fan of both, but at this point Carrie would be my pick.
I think Carrie is the best American Idol. She always praises American Idol and the fans. Kelly, on the other hand, tried to distant herself from American Idol not wanting to be known as famous because of the show. Kelly is a good singer but I do not think she should have disowned the show that made her famous.
Kelly has NEVER disowned the show. That's just media b.s., and partially because of her old manager Jeff Kwatinetz, who wanted her to become the biggest pop star in the world which that is something Kelly has never wanted. No one is more prouder of her coming from Idol than Kelly herself, she has said that plenty of times. She is truly greatful of it. If she didn't disowned it she would have not came back for the season 3, 6 finales, Idol Gives Back, or came back to sing "My Life Would Suck Withouth You" last season. Yeah she may have not came back as many as times as Carrie but it is b/c Kelly has worked non-stop since winning and she is usually overseas touring or promting when Idol is on And Kelly always praises her fans. She would do anything for them. I like both singers, they are great but Carrie is no where near as versatile as Kelly. Carrie still has a bit of that country twang but with Kelly when she sings a certain genre it sounds like it. Kelly made what that show is.
I meant she if she did disowned it not didn't :)
But even Simon says Kelly gave creditbility to that show and how come on almost every episode of Idol espically the last two season Kelly is the only Idol who they mention somehow, some way. I'm still waiting for a Kelly/Carrie duet though.
Kelly Clarkson, no question about it. She blows Carrie Underwood out of the water in every aspect.
Clarkson all the way!
I've gotta go with Kelly Clarkson! She is the original, and most successful!
Kelly Clarkson easily tops Carrie. Carrie is an American star. Kelly is an international star. Carrie has sold more in North America but Kelly overall has sold more globally. Finally, it is very rare that an artist comes along and can sing anything - song or format and do it with ease. Kelly Clarkson IS the greatest American Idol.
Kelly by a mile -- to quote Simon Cowell. She's the most naturally gifted performer to come out of Idol not to mention to come out of anywhere -- to paraphrase Randy. Singers from Norah Jones to Imogene Heap to Jeff Beck to Loretta Lynn have sung her praises. Most performers nowadays have good sound mixers. Kelly truly has a god-given vocal gift and a rare genuine quality that can't be practiced or learned.
Boooooooooooooth <3
Kelly hands down..she knows how to interpet the message of the song
I laugh at this comparison. In no way can Carrie EVER touch Kelly with a ten foot stick. I can see why this poll is up (the two most successful Idols), but if neither artist came from Idol, I doubt these two would ever be put against each other. Kelly is in a completely different league than Carrie.
I'm not entirely familiar with Carrie Underwood, only slightly. She's got a good voice, but from what I've sampled all of her records sound the same. I'm from Australia so maybe it's different here. I love Kelly Clarkson's music. I have all four albums and each are totally different. I like that. Not only does each album get better, they sound different. Like almost toally. That's why I voted Clarkson on this one. And she mega sexy. :) I laught when folks make her weight an issue. I think it makes her really sexy. CURVY ladies all the way.
Kelly Rocks! Much better than Carrie. I don't like Carrie Underwood at all she seems very disconnected and only cares about fame and beauty.
Clarkson is the best and get's my vote. She sings with soul that is beyond her years. She is an artist that cares about what fans want to hear and can sing her face off. Love her!!!
I love Kelly. Such a beautiful voice and spirit.
Carrie's voice lacks character. It's so bland and generic. Kelly's on the other hand has that soul, raspy thing going for her.
I love Kelly. Such a beautiful voice and spirit.
Where are the Carrie fans? I would think if more of them knew it wouldn't be so lopsided in Kelly's favor.
kelly she's the best and i love her so mutch im from marocco i with love to see her performen in my country
Kelly all the way. The girl can sing any genre. Carrie's good, but all her albums sound the same. Don't get me wrong I love Carrie, but Kelly is better. If you put them up against each other, Kelly would win. Vocally she's just better.
I thought carrie was closer 110 lbs lol? but anyways, KELLY CLARKSON! She is the best Idol ever. She has stayed true to herself and hasnt let the media change her. on kellys worst day her voicals will beat carries by miles. I like carrie alot and I think shes a sweet person, but she hasnt stayed as true to herself.
Never in a million light years could Carrie Underwood sound as good as Kelly Clarkson. Plus, Kelly had to bulldoze the way with
her talent and hard work to make a superhighway for Carrie to win her upteen awards singing a single genre. However, from what I have read about Carrie she seems like she is (or was) an awesome person. AS IS KELLY!!!!!!
Kelly Clarkson by a million miles!!! She's down to earth, doesn't care what people think of her, sticks up for what she believes, and her voice is sexy! No one in the music industry could ever touch her...or beat her. Her voice is WAY to powerful. She loves her fans, loves her family, and continues to do her job. What really pisses me off is the fact that her first manager who published "My December" put out word that the album was going to be less popular than her first two. He screwed her over, and because of that, there was a HUGE decline of sales. Since then, her sales have, for lack of a better term, sucked. Even her newer album, My Life Would Suck Without You, had fewer sales than she deserved. Had her first manager not said anything negative about the album, Clarkson would be doing much better. But she's still doing awesome. But, I do like Carrie Underwood. She is my second favorite artist. I'm so happy that she's married, although I'm not too sure that will last, because they probably never see each other. I am hoping Clarkson and Underwood have a duet as well. My favorite Clarkson duet is her late 2010 one with Jason Aldean: "Don't You Wanna Stay?" GREAT VOCALS! I agree that there would be no American Idol, and maybe no Carrie Underwood withouth Kelly Clarkson. But Carrie is good, too. But Kelly is the winner here. Great contest, though!!
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