Flare: There is a huge range of styles on All I Ever Wanted. How would you describe your sound?
Kelly Clarkson: “People always try to pigeon hole you, but that’s the cool thing about pop. Pop is popular music and can be influenced by so many different things. There’s never going to be one sound, the only constant is pop.”
The cover image for the album seems glossier and poppier than your earlier covers. What inspired your new look?
K.C: “The first song we nailed down was “All I Ever Wanted.” I just loved the 70’s rock vibe it had and I wanted the album to be very poppy but still 70’s. I wanted the colours and photos to drip like candy; it’s what I envisioned when I heard the song.”
I read that you’re a huge animal lover. How many pets do you have?
K.C: “I have 10 horses (4 miniature ones) and 7 dogs. I used to have 8 but someone drove up in a truck and stole my dog Eddie. There’s a special place you know where for people like that.”
And you all live in Texas?
K.C: “Yes. We call it the Clarkson compound; a lot of my family members live there in different houses.”
I know that you’re not that into clothes, but do you enjoy the red carpet?
K.C: “I totally love it. The whole team gets me dressed and I look into the mirror and I'm like ‘who the hell is that?’. I love Marc Jacobs, Oscar de la Renta and Nanette Lepore.”
As a role model for young women, what is the most important message that you want to convey?
K.C: “Be yourself. It’s the cheesiest thing to say, but the hardest thing to do. Being comfortable in your own skin and confidant is one of the most attractive things regardless of your shape or size.”
Since American Idol, you’ve won 2 Grammys and sold millions of records. What has been your career highlight?
K.C: “My tour with Reba McEntire because I learned so much and had so much fun. It’s nice to feel like you can look up to someone in the industry. She’s an outstanding vocalist and an amazing entertainer. I’m a horrible public speaker. It took me awhile to improve my show.”
Is this album your most personal to date?
K.C: “No album is more personal; they’re all an emotional rollercoaster in a positive way, [reflecting] what I’m going through.”
What do you want people to take away from it?
K.C: “It’s a fun record; it’s a record you can put on when you’re in the gym or in the car. There is something for everyone.”
Read more about Kelly Clarkson in the May issue of Flare Magazine.
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