Kelly Clarkson

So, one minute you're gracing the trial run of a new TV talent show, and the next you're an American idol? The odds are lottery-jackpot long, but Kelly Clarkson beat 'em, parlaying take-no-prisoners pipes and real-girl appeal to become a tower of 21st-century pop. Her ballads ("A Moment Like This") and dance-y anthems ("Miss Independent") hit straight out of the gate, but it was follow-ups like the aptly titled "Breakaway" and the supremely satisfying "Since U Been Gone" that revealed her potent presence in all its glory. To top it? The biggest jump ever to #1 with "My Life Would Suck Without You." Hey, Kelly — we feel the same way about you.

Take your next steps along with Kelly into Next Steps.

Here's where you find choice Kelly Clarkson album cuts — the gothic-rock atmosphere of her self-penned "Haunted," the polished pop of "Just Missed the Train" — as well as carefully collected one-off essentials. So, alongside surefire smashes, like the saucy, glossy, and all-around hot-tastic "I Do Not Hook Up," we've got Kelly's breakout performance of 'Retha's "Respect" from American Idol, a doubly dazzling duet on "Because of You" with country legend Reba McEntire, and a live recording of "Beautiful Disaster" that proves Miss C. is no mere product of studio wizardry.

Oh, Kelly Clarkson, how did we ever do without you? You're the real deal, the fresh-air antidote to pop tarts, tabloid divas, and dolled-up music-biz puppets, and we love you for it. Your powerhouse pipes and insistent honesty bring out the best in everything you touch, from glossed-up ballads ("The Trouble With Love Is"), to soul-baring pop blasters ("Behind These Hazel Eyes"), to self-penned slams ("Never Again") and fun-punk rockers ("Whyyawannabringmedown"). We need you in our lives like a hit needs a hook, and so we've come up with our own humble tribute, a playlist of your most Essential tunes, beginning with the staggering statement of ruin "Because of You," along with crucial tracks from your latest triumph, including the vocal-virtuosity showcase "Don't Let Me Stop You." Stop loving you, Kelly? Not a chance.