Kelly Clarkson Reveals She’s Started Her Own Record Label and Opens Up About the Challenges

Kelly Clarkson Embraces Independence with Her Own Record Label

Kelly Clarkson is embracing her “Miss Independent” roots in a big way. During the Wednesday, January 22 episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show, the 42-year-old pop icon revealed an exciting new chapter in her career: she’s started her own record label.

The announcement came during a lively discussion with guest Keke Palmer, the actress-singer behind DivaGurl, her own record label and music group. Palmer, 31, shared insights into her journey of managing a label for over six years, prompting Clarkson to open up about her own recent leap into the world of music entrepreneurship.

“I’m so much older than you, and it’s my first time in my career where I’m doing this,” Clarkson said with a laugh. “I just now started my own label, and I’m putting out my own stuff.”

Reflecting on her past experiences, the “Since U Been Gone” hitmaker expressed her excitement about reclaiming creative freedom. “I’ve had some great teams to work with over the years, but there’s nothing like going back to that feeling of being a 10-year-old, excited and unfiltered, with nobody telling you what you ‘should’ do.”

Navigating the Challenges of Independence

Clarkson also opened up about the steep learning curve that comes with running her own label. “Girl, I’m finding out how hard it is,” she admitted to Palmer. “I’m putting together a music video, and I’m like, ‘Wait, I forgot to do what?'” She continued, “I started writing, and then it hit me—how do I even release this? And then I thought, ‘Well, I guess through me.’ It’s been a wild ride.”

Despite the challenges, Clarkson is relishing the opportunity to take control of her music and career trajectory. “I feel like I’ve earned it,” she said. “I’m excited. I think I’ve earned this moment.”

A Remarkable Career Journey

Clarkson’s latest venture marks a significant milestone in a career that began over two decades ago when she won the first season of American Idol in 2002. She signed with RCA Records shortly after her victory, releasing seven studio albums during her time with the label, including Thankful, Breakaway, and Piece by Piece.

In 2016, she parted ways with RCA and joined Atlantic Records, where she released Meaning of Life, When Christmas Comes Around…, and her most recent album, Chemistry, in June 2023.

While her name still appeared on Atlantic Records’ artist roster as of January 23, Clarkson’s decision to establish her own label signals a new chapter of artistic autonomy and innovation in her career.

Reflecting on Her Chemistry Album

In May 2023, Clarkson opened up about the inspiration behind her Chemistry album during a TalkShopLive interview with Nancy O’Dell. She revealed that the title stemmed from her personal experiences with her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, whom she described as her first true connection on a chemical level.

“I never really connected with anyone before my ex-husband,” she shared. “I’d never felt that kind of chemical reaction. It’s a powerful thing—beautiful, but it can also go very wrong.”

Clarkson reflected on how chemistry can lead to both positive and negative outcomes, acknowledging that it can drive people to make “stupid decisions.” “It’s an amazing thing, but it’s also a double-edged sword,” she explained.

Looking Ahead

With her new record label and a refreshed sense of artistic freedom, Kelly Clarkson is stepping into 2025 with renewed confidence and creativity. While the journey may come with its share of obstacles, Clarkson is more than ready to embrace the challenges and chart her own course in the music industry.

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