Kelly Clarkson’s career literally almost went up in flames!

Prior to making it huge as the very first “American Idol,” the Burleson, Texas native had moved to Los Angeles to try to get in to the business. But the apartment building she lived in burned up and she lost practically everything! Although she had already moved back to Texas, a determined friend convinced her to audition for the brand new “American Idol” show, which certainly turned out to be a smart move!

After her huge win on “Idol,” Kelly went on to release her first album, “Thankful,” and in 2005 she released her second album, the critically acclaimed “Breakaway,” for which she won two Grammys.

Her third album, “My December” was her most personal to date, although the album failed to make many waves in terms of sales, due to a lack of pop hit singles. Clarkson is rumored to already be planning her fourth album, for release in 2008.