KELLY OPENS UP
Kelly Clarkson has waited 15 years to release an album like Meaning of Life, due Oct. 27, and it’s just like she has always dreamt of, she tells Sarah Doktor. “It is happy and it’s very sexy and it’s confident and just kind of bold. At the same time, I’m
Q This is your first album on your new label (Atlantic Records), outside of the American Idol era (at RCA Records) — what’s changed?
A I feel like a brand-new artist. It was an arranged marriage before — a very successful one — but it’s the first time 100 per cent of the album is all me. Even on My December (2007), there was still a lot of compromise. It’s an amazing thing to make something you’re so super proud of. I’m in love with it. It’s just soulful music that I grew up on and it’s just kind of innate in me. My mom heard it and was like, ‘finally.’ ”
Q And you’re a mom now, too.
A Yes! ... I thought you would be tired (as a mom), but I’m the opposite. I’m so empowered. I’m so much more confident and just, I don’t know, more bold, because I am a mother ... I have friends who don’t have kids and feel that way, so I don’t think you necessarily need to have kids to feel that ... I’ve already been a very bold, confident woman, but just the fact that you are helping to mould these little lives, and you’re doing your best ... There’s just a different level of empowerment and just the amount of s--- I get done in a day is pretty insane. (laughs)”
Q Do you have a favourite song on the new album?
A I mean, it’s kind of hard (to choose). It’s a good problem to have, one that I’ve never had on an album before. I was close with Breakaway, but this is an album that I feel anything could be a single. It’s just a matter of what direction you are going. What do you want to release in the wintertime? What do you want to release in summertime? ... It’s the first time with a label I’m not worried about it.”
Q You have a lot going on in your life — not just the album. You also have your new children’s book (River Rose and the Magical Christmas, a followup to River Rose and the Magical Lullaby), out as well.
A I have had so much fun doing the River Rose series. The second one was more fun because it’s Christmas involved and I am still 10 years old and love magic. It’s been really fun to do both projects at the same time. It’s like you can escape one to work on one or escape the other. You come back and you’re fresh ...
Q You’re going to be on The Voice.
A I’m pumped about The Voice. I’m probably just as much excited about that as I am about the album ... It sounds cheesy, but I’m very excited for the opportunity to be a part of these (contestants’ careers). Who knows? Ten years from now these people, their careers could blossom and you were a part of that because you turned your chair ... I imagine (American Idol judges) Simon (Cowell), Randy (Jackson) and Paula (Abdul) feel the same way with all the artists’ lives they were a part of that are now big artists.
Q Do you have any favourite spots in Canada?
A We took the kids to the (Ripley’s) Aquarium (in Toronto). It is insane! It is so cool. My kids loved it. The adults loved it. I love Canada. Especially I love Toronto, but I am more of a wilderness person, so British Columbia is one of my favourite places on the planet ... It’s like the one place outside of the U.S. my husband and I would buy (a house).” Q You’re pretty active on social media. Is that something you’ve done consciously?
A I think I’ve come around to the fact that one: it’s nice to have direct access, you can really tell people the truth. Sometimes things get out there and you can go, ‘That’s not really true.’ And also, if I could have tweeted Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey or Annie Lennox when I was a kid, I would have freaked out ...