45. KELLY CLARKSON

This Fort Worth singer became the face of the new American Dream when she won the first “American Idol” — a person who found fame simply by singing into a camera. Clarkson nailed her time in the spotlight, belting out anthemic pop-rock songs like “Since You’ve Been Gone” or “Stronger” that define aspects of this generation.

Most Texas musical moment:

Clarkson severed her “Idol” ties to make the music she wanted to sing.