Kelly Clarkson recently revealed that she was “lied to” when it came to writing one of her biggest hits. During an appearance on Watch What Happens Live, Clarkson responded to accusations made by former RCA Records head Clive Davis in his memoir. Davis claimed that Clarkson pushed back on recording the song and including it on her 2004 album. However, Clarkson explained that she was deceived by her label and the producers of the song.
Clarkson explained that she was told there were producers who wanted to work with her and that the song had dummy lyrics, meaning it didn’t have finalized lyrics yet. She was instructed to write to the song. She was then flown to Sweden to work on the single, only to find out that the people working on the song already had it written and were not informed that she was supposed to write to it. Clarkson felt like a fool because she walked in expecting to collaborate on the song, but instead, the label had misled her.
Clarkson expressed her disappointment in being lied to and questioned why her label didn’t just tell her the truth. Despite the negative experience she had with the song’s origin, Clarkson shared that she’s able to compartmentalize her feelings and still perform the song live because she’s a “great compartmentalizer.”
This isn’t the first time Clarkson has spoken out about Clive Davis and his memoir. In 2013, she criticized Davis for spreading “false information” in his book, The Soundtrack of My Life. The book revisited the feud between Clarkson and Davis over her third studio album, My December, as well as the drama around recording one of her songs. Clarkson asserted that she refused to be bullied and felt the need to set the record straight for herself and her fans.
Despite the controversy surrounding the song, it remains one of Clarkson’s biggest hits. The public has loved the track for nearly two decades, and Clarkson acknowledges that she can separate her personal experiences from the song when performing it live on tour.
The revelation of being lied to adds a new layer of complexity to Clarkson’s relationship with her label and the industry as a whole. It raises questions about transparency and the ethical treatment of artists. Clarkson’s story serves as a reminder that not everything is as it seems in the glamorous world of music.
It’s important for artists to have creative control and be able to trust their team to support their artistic vision. Collaboration should be based on honesty and mutual respect. Artists should be informed and included in the decision-making process, rather than being deceived or misled. Trust and open communication are crucial to maintaining a healthy working relationship between artists and industry professionals.
Clarkson’s experience sheds light on the challenges artists face in navigating the music industry. While her talent and success speak for themselves, it’s important to remember that behind the scenes, artists may encounter struggles, disappointments, and deceit. It’s a reminder that the journey to success is not always smooth and that artists, like Clarkson, have to overcome obstacles and stand up for themselves.
Moving forward, it’s hoped that Clarkson’s story will encourage greater transparency and ethical practices within the music industry. Artists should have the freedom to express themselves and be treated with honesty and respect. By sharing her experience, Clarkson has sparked a conversation about the importance of integrity and trust in the music business.
In conclusion, Kelly Clarkson’s revelation about being “lied to” when writing one of her biggest hits highlights the challenges artists face in the music industry. Clarkson’s story exemplifies the need for transparency and ethical treatment of artists. It is a reminder that despite the glamor and success, the music industry can be complex and artists must navigate obstacles to protect their creative vision. By speaking out, Clarkson encourages change and advocates for a more honest and respectful industry.