Kelly Clarkson News

(9/19/02, 1 p.m. ET) -- Four songs performed by American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson and two songs performed by runner-up Justin Guarini are featured on RCA Records collection, American Idol: Greatest Moments, due out October 1. The first full-length album of material from Fox's hit TV show also includes one song by each of the remaining eight finalists, and a rendition of "California Dreamin'" performed by all 10. The American Idol finalists include Nikki McKibbin, Tamyra Gray, E-Jay Day, R.J. Helton, A.J. Gil, Ryan Starr, Christina Christian, and Jim Verraros.

Steve Lipson (Backstreet Boys, Annie Lennox) produced all 14 tracks on the set, which were performed on American Idol during its final weeks. "I think Kelly's version of 'Natural Woman' is really strong. Her vocals are brilliant. She sold me on the song completely," said Lipson.

Lipson added, "I like Christina's 'Ain't No Sunshine.' I think she got the emotion of it across well. Nikki is very good as well--very underestimated. And Tamyra is brilliant too, so there's not much more to say about her."

RCA Records will follow American Idol: Greatest Moments with Clarkson's solo debut album in the first quarter of 2003. Clarkson's double A-side single, "Before Your Love"/"A Moment Like This," was released this week.

The complete tracklisting for American Idol: Greatest Moments includes: "(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman" by Clarkson; "Respect" by Clarkson; "For Once In My Life" by Guarini; "Get Here" by Guarini; "Piece Of My Heart" by McKibbin; "A House Is Not A Home" by Gray; "Lately" by Helton; "Ain't No Sunshine" by Christian; "If You Really Love Me" by Starr; "My Cherie Amour" by Gil; "I'll Be" by Day; "Easy" by Verraros; and "California Dreamin' by all the performers. The set also contains the bonus tracks "A Moment Like This" and "Before Your Love" by Clarkson.

-- Jason Gelman, New York

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