Solo Artist
Most frequent collaborator: Greg Kurstin · 25 tracks
Holds writing credit on 64 of 131 tracks
Sometimes, and increasingly. Kelly Clarkson is credited on about 49% of her catalogue. Her biggest early hits, like 'Since U Been Gone,' were written by professional teams such as Max Martin and Dr. Luke, while she co-wrote others like 'Because of You.' She wrote entire albums herself, including My December (2007) and much of Chemistry (2023).
Across all 131 tracks: how many Kelly Clarkson wrote alone, how many they co-wrote, and how many were written by others. The bracket marks every track they hold any writing credit on.
Share of all 131 tracks where they are personally credited, by role.
Kelly Clarkson's writing credit per album, in release order. Hover any bar for the album.
Where Kelly Clarkson sits on the scale from a pure performer (0%, sings songs written by others) to a complete author (100%, writes everything). The bright marker is their catalogue authorship score, plotted against other artists on the site.
Reference artists spread across the scale, closest by genre and era.
None of the signature songs above fall in this category.
RCA Records
RCA Records
RCA Records
RCA Records
RCA Records
RCA Records
RCA Records
Atlantic Records
Atlantic Records
Atlantic Records
No albums from this decade.
Bubble size = tracks worked on together. GK Greg Kurstin · JS Jesse Shatkin · JH Jason Halbert · DK David Kahne · AE Aben Eubanks · JM Jimmy Messer
Data Insight
Kelly Clarkson's authorship arc is one of the clearest in modern pop: her debut Thankful and breakthrough Breakaway leaned heavily on professional songwriting teams, but by 2007's My December she co-wrote every track. Across her career she is credited as a co-writer on much of her material while still drawing on hitmakers like Max Martin, Dr. Luke, and Greg Kurstin for singles. The data captures the transition from American Idol performer to genuine songwriting contributor.
Quick Facts
Creative Fingerprint
A performer who writes when it counts: Kelly Clarkson is credited on about 49% of her catalogue, singing many songs written by professional teams early on but writing entire albums herself, like My December and Chemistry.
The Story
Kelly Clarkson is an American singer and songwriter who won the inaugural season of American Idol in 2002 and became one of the defining pop voices of the 2000s. Across ten studio albums she evolved from a pure performer of professionally written material into a consistent co-writer, scoring hits like 'Since U Been Gone,' 'Because of You,' and 'Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You).' Her catalog spans glossy pop rock, soul, and two full Christmas records.