Kelly Clarkson brings shiny, happy, club-worthy hits to Seattle

Her new album is aptly titled "All I Ever Wanted," and at the ripe old age of 27, Kelly Clarkson has achieved what just about every girl singing into her hairbrush might dream of.

Ask the "American-Idol"-winner-turned-superstar, and it's likely she'd say she's far from having it all. The humble gal-next-door is known for her sincerity, charm and modesty as much as her roof-shattering voice. And while it's true that the shape-shifting star has plenty more avenues to explore in what will likely be a long and successful career, she is on top of the world right now.

If you can, catch her WaMu Theater concert Tuesday for what promises to be a high-energy, surprise-filled live show; tour reviews report she covers Kings of Leon, White Stripes, Patsy Cline and more.

If you haven't been tracking Clarkson's every move since she beat out Justin Guarini (Remember "From Justin to Kelly"? Yeah, me neither ) on the first season of "American Idol," you should know that the Texas native has been on a (mostly) steady upward climb through the past seven years, making her one of the most successful "American Idol" winners yet.

After "Idol," she released "Thankful," a lackluster collection of Top 40-ready tracks. But having said her "thanks," Clarkson shed her pop-princess veneer, dyed her hair and unleashed the rocker within.

Maybe you've sung "Since U Been Gone" in the shower? If so, you're among friends.

Her second album, "Breakaway" — buoyed by its hit singles — was the 10th-best-selling album of 2006, and earned Clarkson her first two Grammys. Her third album, "My December," was a more introspective affair (her label originally balked at its release saying it was too negative), featuring Clarkson as writer or co-writer for the majority of the songs. While album sales were initially strong, Clarkson ended up scaling back the scope of her tour because of limited ticket demand.

"All I Ever Wanted" should keep all of Clarkson's constituencies firmly in Camp Kelly. The album debuted at No. 1 and moved a quarter of a million copies its first week. It is, by and large, a shiny, happy collection of club-worthy hits, like first single "My Life Would Suck Without You" and the Katy Perry-penned guitar anthem "I Do Not Hook Up." But Clarkson's sincerity, female empowerment barn-burning and impish sass all shine through.

She even made room for a couple of tear-jerking ballads where she could stretch out the powerhouse belt that initially won over America. And in a song like "Cry," with its country-tinged lyrics, you get a tiny taste of another avenue Clarkson might try her hand at. Throughout her career, she has done duets with country stars a number of times (namely Reba McEntire).

What do you get the girl who has all she ever wanted? Maybe a CMA Award.

Joanna Horowitz: jbhorowitz@gmail.com