Kelly Clarkson is back with a new album, and though it is on track for a high chart debut next week, the Texas singer is staying true to her roots, thanking "American Idol" for her success.
"Audiences love 'American Idol,'" the singer told Blender magazine's April issue. "They get to pick, out of all these people, who they want to hear a record from. They invest in that. That's why I'm here. Like, there's no other reason. They voted for me. They wanted to hear from me. They picked me. And it's an honor, it's flattering, and it's fun."
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Though fame comes with a price, Kelly said that her love of music trumps all else.
"I love this job, and I love music, and honestly, this would be way too much hassle, for people to twist your words all the time, if I did not love music as much as I do," she said. "I would go back home — I got enough money — I'd go back home and do something else. But I am earnest in talking of how much I just love music: When you get onstage, there's no B.S., and it's just you and people singin' back."
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Kelly may continue with her music, but her fame has stopped her from doing some of the normal things she grew up with in the Lone Star State – like going to church.
"It's hard for me to be comfortable in that environment, to let go and be in my own worship, without people going, 'My God, I love your single! It's my favorite single right now!' You know, while the pastor's talking," she said.
In addition to her lack of church attendance, Kelly admitted friendships have also suffered because of her fame.
"You feel bad because you can't be there when all your friends get married," she said. "I'm not there when somebody needs a shoulder to cry on. I might be in Europe."
Her time-consuming schedule may affect her personal life, but it hasn't stopped Kelly from dreaming of a storybook romance.
"I crave to be so in love with someone that we can be arguing one minute and making love the next," she said.
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