May 23, 2005

'American Idol' Kelly Clarkson to perform at Purdue

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The 2002 "American Idol" winner, Kelly Clarkson, will perform at Purdue University’s Elliott Hall of Music at 7:30 p.m., Friday, August 26.

Clarkson is the first artist to have two songs in the top three of Billboard's Pop 100 Airplay chart. "Since U Been Gone" holds the number two position, and the follow-up single, "Behind These Hazel Eyes," sits at number three. Both songs are from Clarkson's second album, "Breakaway." Clarkson has released two albums since wining Fox TV’s "American Idol" competition in 2002. Her debut album, "Thankful," was released in 2003. Both albums were released on the RCA label.

A Texas native, Clarkson started singing in her middle-school choir at the encouragement of a teacher. Upon graduating from high school, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue her career in music. After little success and a fire in her apartment building, Kelly moved back to Texas where she promote Red Bull energy drinks and waitressed in a comedy club until a friend encouraged her to audition for Fox TV’s "American Idol."

The inaugural season of "American Idol" drew 10,000 singers to auditions. After 10 weeks of performing for viewers, Clarkson won 57 percent of the final vote, beating Justin Guarini. Clarkson was awarded a $1 million recording contract with RCA Records, launching her career.

Tickets for the Purdue concert are $39.50, which includes facilities fees. Tickets go on sale Friday (June 3) at campus box offices and Saturday (June 4) at all Ticketmaster outlets. Campus box offices can be reached by calling (800) 914-SHOW.

Source: Katie Hutton, Purdue Convocations marketing director, (765) 494-5045, krhutton@purdue.edu

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