Ten years ago this week, Since U Been Gone, the first smash from the original American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson, was released.
The song, from Kelly’s sophomore effort, Breakaway was written and produced by Max Martin and Dr. Luke and established the singer as a bona fide pop star. The success of the record also boosted the reputation of American Idol, proving the show could launch successful and lasting music careers. For struggling performers, Idol became a viable method to break into the biz.
Billboard magazine reports that “Since U Been Gone” peaked at #2 on on the Billboard Hot 100. The song won a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and MTV VMAs for Best Female Video and Best Pop Video.
Referring to the song as a “decade-defining song,” Billboard wrote, “Kelly Clarkson’s ‘Since U Been Gone’ has since become a blueprint for the female power-pop that has blanketed radio since, with Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, Pink and others building up resumes featuring comparable hooks and production.”
The album, Breakaway, would go on to have five top 10 singles. Not too shabby, for the Original Flavah Idol, eh?
In honor of the anniversary, here are a few performances of the iconic song from Kelly, plus a few awesome covers.
Kelly Clarkson Performs Since U Been Gone on the Tonight Show
Kelly’s INSANE 2005 VMA Performance!
She totally lost her mind, running into the audience as she’s drenched with water. Under the circumstances, I’d excuse her vocals.
The Today Show – Acoustic Version
Florence and the Machine Cover
From the Movie Pitch Perfect
Swedish Pop singer, Robyn
Pentatonix
Pentatonix performed Since U Been Gone mashed up with “Forget You” during competition on The Sing-Off. They went on to win.
John Legend and Meleana Brown -Duets
Remember THIS? Kelly was a mentor on this ill-fated summer competition reality show.
Ted Leo
When alt/rocker Ted Leo released his cover, it helped cement Kelly as the darling of the indies.
And of course…the original Since U Been Gone Music Video
