It can’t be easy being Kelly Clarkson. While she might not be toiling in the coal mines to make a living, the pressures attendant with being the first American Idol might seem daunting at times to a musician trying to make a living. All musicians face pressures every time they go into the studio; however, the title American Idol must magnify the pressure more than one who was, say, the American Idol runner-up.

Clarkson has proven that she can succeed. Her first single was an enormous hit in a time when singles are rarely available in stores. Her first album built upon the success of “A Moment Like This.” American Idol was still fresh, still a novelty and it was not terribly difficult for Clarkson to succeed.

However, as the franchise grew and continued to crown new winners, Clarkson found herself in the unenviable position of not only having to succeed, but also having to prove that she can continue to sell records as well as she did previously in the face of new competition that has the benefit of novelty on its side.