An 'Idol' Trains Her Ear Across Pop Soundscape

FEW artists anointed by "American Idol" have enjoyed the success and longevity of the pop singer-songwriter Kelly Clarkson. Since she won the title in the show's first season seven years ago, she has earned two Grammys and sold more than 10 million records in the United States. Her fourth album, "All I Ever Wanted" (RCA), was released in March and hit the top of the Billboard chart. Ms. Clarkson, 27, lives in Texas, where she keeps 8 dogs, 10 horses and a newly rescued diabetic cat. She has been busy preparing for a slew of summer concerts and a big fall tour, but on a rare day off in her Los Angeles hotel, after a trip to the gym and the bookstore, she spoke by phone with Winter Miller about what she's listening to now.

Kings of Leon

I saw them open for U2 in Madison Square Garden. I was so pumped because I'd never seen U2, but my brother and I went away huge Kings of Leon fans. We had never heard of them. They were so tight and in sync. I didn't find out until this year that they were related. The rock category is not rock anymore, so I love that they're a rock band. Nothing about them is not rock. "Use Somebody" from "Only by the Night" (RCA) is my favorite song of the year. It's almost hypnotic. Before the melody even, it feels like that scene from "City of Angels" where she's riding a bike down the hill. A lot of their songs remind me of soundtracks because they're so epic.

Taylor Swift

I love "Fearless" (Big Machine). I just recently ran into her, and I was like, "If you ever want to have any songs on my album, I'd be happy to hear them." Like, if she doesn't want it for herself. She's a great lyricist. It doesn't seem like she's trying to write No. 1 songs. She's crossing over into pop, which is weird because most country fans don't cross over into pop. But she writes pop songs and simple fairy-tale ballads. Her melodies are addictive. She's so young. People have not gotten hold of her yet and beaten her and said you have to write No. 1's. She's just writing how she writes. It's a breath of fresh air.

The Script

They're an Irish band. My sister found "The Script" (Arista) on iTunes. They're so diverse. It sounds like U2 meets Sting on one song, then like OneRepublic meets rap. There's a lead singer, but also a lead guitarist who sings, and the drummer sings in this high falsetto. Their song "Rusty Halo" is almost like a spiritual thing. Their songs tend to build and lead to beautiful climaxes with great vocal harmonies. Their lyrics are very clever. They twist words to where it's mind-boggling.

Pink

I think everybody's a fan of Pink. Her voice is the best of our generation. Her lyrics are so vulnerable. She's so open about her whole life. People love that. "Crystal Ball" reminds me of Pink singing the Carpenters. She's the kind of person you want to be friends with, but you're scared of her. Her albums are laced with sarcasm; they're hilarious. I saw her in Germany. She was flying all over the place, flipping around, and was upside down singing - live. It's an incredible show.

Weezer

I've been a huge fan since junior high. It's like comic relief with their songs, like "Pork and Beans." Their songs make me want to be a boxer for some reason. "Weezer" (Interscope) has some really intense songs. Rivers Cuomo is really smart, and he's a great lyricist. Even if he's being simple, you have to really pay attention. I can't listen to one of their albums and not revert back to being a kid, like listening to my Walkman when I'm supposed to be paying attention in class. Weezer made me want to be a musician.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/14/arts/music/14play.html