Breakaway (Kelly Clarkson song)

"Breakaway" is a power ballad song recorded by American singer Kelly Clarkson. The song, written by Matthew Gerrard, Bridget Benenate, and Avril Lavigne, was originally intended for Lavigne's debut studio album, Let Go (2002). After being deemed unsuitable for the album, it was passed to Clarkson to be recorded as a soundtrack for the film The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004). Clarkson, who was finishing her second studio album at that time, recorded "Breakaway" to tide her fans over until the first single from her new album was released. However, the song's success prompted its inclusion on Clarkson's second album, while the record label decided to name the album after the song. "Breakaway" was first released as the first single from The Princess Diaries 2 soundtrack on July 19, 2004. In May 2006, "Breakaway" was reissued as the fifth and final single from the album of the same name.

"Breakaway"
Single by Kelly Clarkson
from the album The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement: Original Soundtrack and Breakaway
ReleasedJuly 19, 2004 (2004-07-19)
StudioHenson (Hollywood)
GenreFolk-pop
Length3:57
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)John Shanks
Kelly Clarkson singles chronology
"The Trouble with Love Is"
(2003)
"Breakaway"
(2004)
"Since U Been Gone"
(2004)
Alternative cover
2006 Re-issue
Music video
"Breakaway" on YouTube

"Breakaway" received positive reviews from music critics, who could relate to the song's message and simple lyrics. It incorporates acoustic guitars and airy drums which are interspersed with Clarkson's controlled voice. The lyrics narrate Clarkson's journey as a girl growing up in a small town who follows her dream for self-improvement. "Breakaway" was a commercial success outside of the United States, where it peaked within the top 20 of multiple European countries, and in the top 10 in Australia, Belgium, Hungary, and the Netherlands. In the United States, the song peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became her third top ten song in the chart. It also topped the US Adult Contemporary for twenty-one non-consecutive weeks, a record for female artists that is now shared between herself, Celine Dion's "A New Day Has Come" and Adele's "Hello".

Directed by Dave Meyers, the accompanying music video for "Breakaway" portrays Clarkson as a young girl from a small town who follows her dream and becomes an international star. It also contained scenes interspersed from The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement. Clarkson acted out most of the lyrics in the music video because she felt that the song was autobiographical. Critics responded positively to the music video for being faithful to the central theme shared by the song, the film, and Clarkson's personal biography. Clarkson performed the song in a series of live appearances such as television shows Saturday Night Live, The Oprah Winfrey Show and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. She has performed the song in her concert tours, including the Stronger Tour. "Breakaway" has also been covered by many contestants from reality television singing competitions, notably Katie Stevens, a contestant in the ninth season of American Idol, as well as an English pop quartet Belle Amie, who finished eleventh in the seventh season of The X Factor.

Background and release edit

 
Avril Lavigne co-wrote the song.

"As it turned out, it wasn't quite right for Avril's album, so we pitched it to Kelly Clarkson. It all worked out great. Kelly sounds great singing it, and it was a big hit for us."

— Matthew Gerrard on "Breakaway"'s success.[1]

"Breakaway" was originally written by Avril Lavigne, Bridget Benenate and Matthew Gerrard.[2] According to Benenate, the song was written in 2001 when she was working with Gerrard for Lavigne's first album, Let Go. Benenate explained that Lavigne came to her to write the song, saying:

Avril talked about her life and what things were important to her – she was the inspiration for the song. Matthew began creating the melody and track, and I started working on the lyrics. I remember staying in bed for three days, writing 25 versions of the lyric. I love being in bed and writing lyrics, and having my dog Jet and my kitty Dash on the bed. Anyway, we finally finished the lyric, then we completed the demo.[2]

After the production of the song was deemed unsuitable for Lavigne's album, the song was passed to several artists including Samantha Moore before finally being recorded by Kelly Clarkson.[1][2] Benenate also added that it was Mitchell Leib, the President of Music and Soundtracks for Walt Disney Pictures and Television/Buena Vista Music Group, who secured "Breakaway" as one of the soundtracks of The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement.[2] In an interview with MTV, Clarkson said that she recorded "Breakaway" to tide fans over until September that year before she released the first single from her second album.[3] Nevertheless, the song's huge success prompted its inclusion on the album, which Clarkson decided to name Breakaway.[4] Clarkson expressed that "Breakaway" was different from everything she has done, saying that it "is a simple song, and I think that its simplicity is what's beautiful about it. Whenever writers or producers come to work with me, they take advantage of the fact that I can really belt it out. What's cool about 'Breakaway' is that it doesn't take advantage of that. The song just uses the simplicity of my voice."[5] The song was officially released to radio stations on July 19, 2004,[6] as the first single of The Princess Diaries 2 soundtrack.[7] Lavigne's original demo of the song leaked onto the internet nearly a decade later in April 2014.[8] A brand new recording was officially released as part of the 20th anniversary re-release of her debut album on June 3, 2022.[9]

Composition edit

"Breakaway" is a folk-pop song with a length of three minutes and 57 seconds.[10][11] It is composed in the key of C major, with a tempo of 160 beats per minute.[12] T.U. Dawood of Dawn lauded the song for being the best track on the album, writing ""Breakaway" is an enchanting single that will have you humming along to its infectious, gentle chorus and the inspiring lyrics."[13] It has a chord progression of C–G–Am7-F(9) and Clarkson's vocal range in the song spans two octaves from the low note of G3 to the note of D5.[12] Sam Lansky of PopCrush.com thought that Clarkson's vocal floated over strummed guitars and airy drums, a combination which elevated the inspirational message of the song.[14] Dave Donelly of Sputnikmusic noted that "Breakaway" successfully contrasted typical acoustic verse with a soaring pop chorus which was interspersed by Clarkson's controlled but powerful voice.[15]

Lyrically, the song is about growing up and moving on in life.[16] Natalie Nichols of The Baltimore Sun considered "Breakaway" as Clarkson's anthem which is about a small-town girl going for her dreams.[17] Clarkson admitted that she could relate to the song, saying:

It describes how I got into the business, verbatim. I did grow up in a small town, I wanted to get out, I felt like there was something... not better for me, but something different for me. I didn't feel like I fit in at school. Whether you are a DJ, or if you work with computers, or if you're a teacher, everyone has that point where they feel, 'I'm bored and this isn't what I wanted to do with my life.'[5]

Reception edit

Critical response edit

While reviewing the album, Shirley Shipin of Rolling Stone opined that "Breakaway" was the highlight of the album where Clarkson sounded "more Avril than Ashlee".[18] Rhonda Lynn of Florida Entertainment Scene praised the acoustic guitar in the song which is instrumental in holding the whole structure together.[19] Tammy La Gorce of Amazon.com thought that the song would not wear out due to its "rock-friendly thumps, dips, and rolls."[20] In a different perspective, Joan Anderman of Boston.com remarked that "Breakaway" is not new or exciting-sounding but he admitted that the "hit single accomplishes the rare feat of being thoroughly middle-of-the-road without sacrificing grace or intelligence".[21] Chuck Taylor of Billboard felt that the song was a weak choice as a single compared to Clarkson's previous hits, writing "'Breakaway' sounds more like an Irish folk song propped up with pop production than the anthemic material with which Clarkson has won over legions of fans."[22] Kathi Kamen Goldmark of Disney Family.com felt that the song was tedious, simultaneously dull and so emotionally overwrought that it almost sounds like a parody of itself.[23] Michael Wood of The Village Voice described the song as "a swoony acoustic folk-pop that Goo Goo Doll Johnny Rzeznik would trade his hair gel for".[10] Jill Salama of Oprah.com listed "Breakaway" as one of her nine favourite Idol singles of all time, writing "There is nothing that gets us more than a song about a girl going out on her own. Making a wish, making a change and, of course, breaking away. But seriously, this song is more than just a high school graduation anthem."[24]

Bill Lamb of About.com ranked "Breakaway" at number four in his list of Top 10 Kelly Clarkson songs.[25] The song received a nomination in the category of Song of the Year: Adult Hit Radio at the 2005 Radio Music Awards[26] but lost to Green Day's "Boulevard of Broken Dreams".[27] It was one of the recipients of BDSCertified Spin Awards in November 2004 with 100,000 spins accumulated throughout the year.[28] On March 5, 2013, Billboard ranked the song at number five in its list of Top 100 American Idol Hits of All Time.[29] Additionally, it also appeared at number four of Clarkson's Top 15 Biggest Billboard Hot 100 hits through the week ending April 29, 2017.[30]

Chart performance edit

 
"Breakaway" is tied with Celine Dion's "A New Day Has Come" as the longest-running AC number one by a female artist.[31]

On the week ending August 28, 2004, "Breakaway" debuted at number 60 on the Billboard Hot 100.[32][33] On its tenth week, the song jumped from number 12 to number 10 to become Clarkson's third Top 10 song in the chart, following "A Moment Like This" and "Miss Independent".[34] It peaked at number six on the week ending November 20, 2004.[35][36] The song spent 46 weeks in Billboard Hot 100, a feat that was later achieved by its immediate successor, "Since U Been Gone".[37] It was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on February 5, 2005.[38] "Breakaway" also debuted at number 37 on the US Pop Songs on the week dated August 21, 2004.[39] Three months later, it peaked at number two on the week ending November 13, 2004, and was held off the top spot by Nelly featuring Tim McGraw's "Over and Over".[35][40] The song entered Billboard Adult Pop Songs at number 36 on the week dated August 21, 2004,[41] before peaking at number two on the week ending February 12, 2005.[42]

"Breakaway" also made an appearance on the US Adult Contemporary at number 30 on the week ending September 18, 2004.[43] The song fell out of the chart after its debut, before re-entering the chart at the same position of number 30 in its second week.[44] Six months later, "Breakaway" topped Billboard Adult Contemporary, dethroning Los Lonely Boys' "Heaven" on the week ending March 12, 2005.[45] The song spent 20 consecutive weeks at number one on the chart before being dethroned by Michael Bublé's "Home".[46][47] However, the song returned to top the Billboard Adult Contemporary for the 21st week on the week ending August 6, 2005.[48] With this achievement, "Breakaway" tied the record with Celine Dion's "A New Day Has Come" as the longest-running Adult Contemporary chart-topper by a female artist.[31][49] "Breakaway" is also the longest-running chart-topper to come from a film in Billboard Adult Contemporary history, surpassing the nineteen-week record held jointly by Phil Collins's "You'll Be in My Heart" from Tarzan and Celine Dion's "Because You Loved Me" from Up Close & Personal.[50] It remains as Clarkson's longest-running number one in her career.[37] As of September 2017, "Breakaway" has sold 2,128,000 paid digital downloads.[51]

Internationally, "Breakaway" was a commercial success. In Australia, "Breakaway" debuted at number 14 on the week ending September 26, 2004,[52] before peaking at number 10, three weeks later.[53] It was certified gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for shipments of over 35,000 units.[54] In New Zealand, "Breakaway" entered the New Zealand Singles Chart at number 19 on the week ending October 18, 2004.[55] Six weeks later, the song ascended to a new peak of number 12.[56] On July 8, 2006, the song debuted and peaked at number 22 in the United Kingdom.[57] In Ireland, it debuted and peaked at number 12 on the week ending June 29, 2006.[58] Elsewhere in Europe, "Breakaway" peaked at number six in Belgium, number eight in Austria,[59] as well as number nine in the Netherlands.[60]

Music video edit

 
Clarkson attending the movie premiere of The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, as depicted in the music video.

The accompanying music video for "Breakaway" was directed by Dave Meyers, which was shot in two days from July 10 to 11, 2004.[61] In the video, the younger version of Clarkson was played by Lindsey Krueger.[62] According to Meyers, working with Clarkson was a pleasant experience because he felt she was good and honest, although he had initial doubts in the beginning. He explained, "I was a little worried, her coming off 'American Idol,' it inherently feels manufactured and I didn't know how much of it was true artistry. But when I met her, she really does have a good, solid vibe. It was an honor to bring some of that out of her."[63] Since the song is autobiographical, Clarkson decided to act out most of the lyrics in the video. Meyers also realized that the song was featured in The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement and he struggled to find a way to address the film-footage in the music video, saying "Since it's a movie tie-in, the idea stems from trying to figure out a new way of addressing the film-footage requirement they put on you, so we came up with the idea of her attending the premiere, which is very much something she will do in real life."[63]

The video begins with the younger version of Clarkson sitting at the back seat of a station wagon. Singing the first verse, she witnesses a depressing scene of her brother quarreling with her sister who are scolded by their mother. She slowly clasps both her hands before the video shifts to the present day where Clarkson is seen arriving on the red carpet with her publicist for the world premiere of The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement. After posing for the photographers, she enters the cinema and watches the film. The next scene switches back to the younger Clarkson who is sitting and looking around her neighborhood at her house's rooftop as a plane is seen flying across the sky. The video switches back to the older Clarkson who is now watching the aforementioned film in her laptop inside the plane as it goes through a mild turbulence. Clarkson is also seen reminiscing about her past job as a worker in a movie theater, singing with her co-workers. The next scene shows Clarkson singing with her band in a backyard party which is shown alternately with scenes from the film, as well as a montage of her family and co-workers waving away from her. In the final scene, the younger Clarkson is shown praying by her bedside.[63][64]

The video was uploaded to MTV's website on August 9, 2004.[65] The video reached number five on the AOL Music Top Video chart in September 2004, with 740,176 streams.[66] Johnni Macke of E! deemed the early 2000s as Clarkson's "music video prime". She opined that the video was a great Cinderella story, writing ""Breakaway" shows the story of a young tomboy girl dealing with her insane family and what she grows up into...AKA a popstar named Kelly Clarkson."[67] Kate Aurthur of The New York Times praised the music video for successfully illustrating the message of a girl following her own dream, which is a central theme shared by the song, the movie and Clarkson's biography.[64] She also lauded the director of the video, Dave Meyers, for his ability to use Clarkson's evolution as an element to overshadow the distracting clips from The Princess Diaries: Royal Engagement despite noticing that the use of visual metaphors in the music video was overwrought.[64]

Live performances edit

Clarkson first performed "Breakaway" on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in August 2004.[68] In February 2005, she performed "Breakaway" as well as "Since U Been Gone" on Saturday Night Live.[69] On September 23, 2005, she appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show and performed "Breakaway" as well as "Because of You".[70] While touring at the Palace Theatre in Cleveland, Ohio during her Breakaway World Tour, Clarkson performed "Breakaway" while signing several autographs for her fans near the stage to purposely let the crowd belt out the chorus.[71] "Breakaway" was also included in the setlist of Clarkson's 2009 All I Ever Wanted Tour where she performed the song in Hammerstein Ballroom without any dancers, acrobatics, moving set pieces and no special effects. Caryn Ganz noted that Clarkson belted the ballad song effortlessly by walking back and forth across the stage with her right hand on the mic and her left resting on her chest.[72] Jim Cantiello of MTV opined that Clarkson's "low chest-voice cooed the verses of 'Breakaway'" and complimented the singer's vocal prowess throughout the concert.[73] On April 3, 2012, Clarkson performed "Breakaway" as an encore to her Stronger Tour at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live, Los Angeles, where she told the audience that people started supporting her because of the song.[74]

In 2019, Avril Lavigne performed the song for the first time live at select venues during her Head Above Water Tour.[75]

Cover versions and use in media edit

"Breakaway" has also been covered by contestants from reality television singing competitions. Katie Stevens covered the song on the ninth season of American Idol. Despite listening to the judges' comments to sing a contemporary song, her rendition was criticized by the judges; Randy Jackson thought the note was too big for Stevens while Ellen DeGeneres felt Stevens did not sell the lyrics. Kara DioGuardi said, "I don't think you know who you are yet as an artist", an opinion agreed by Simon Cowell.[76] Jim Cantiello of MTV noted that Stevens' performance of the song was her weakest performance in the show, stating "Unfortunately, her uneven vocals on 'Breakaway' exposed her youthful inexperience."[77] The same opinion was echoed by Eric Ditzian of MTV who opined that Stevens failed to resonate her youthful energy favouring the song choice.[78]

"Breakaway" was performed by Julie Zorrilla in the semi-finals on the tenth season of American Idol. Samantha Stephens of The Republican felt Zorrilla's performance was mediocre.[79] Gil Kaufman of MTV remarked that Zorrilla's voice was shaky, and it lacked personality.[80] After landing in the bottom two, Belle Amie, an English pop quartet contestant on the seventh season of The X Factor, decided to perform "Breakaway" as their survival song. Nevertheless, they were eliminated in the episode.[81][82] The song was also performed by Megan Hilty on the episode titled "Understudy" of the American television series Smash, which aired on April 7, 2012.[83] Matt Tucker of KSiteTV.com thought the performance was "lovely", describing it as one of the things that stood out in the episode.[84] The song was covered by Jenna Ushkowitz, Kevin McHale and Darren Criss, on the 97th episode, "Frenemies", of the musical series Glee, which aired on February 25, 2014.[85] For the thirteenth season of American Idol, the song is used as the sendoff song when a contestant is voted off. The contestant who is voted off, their cover of the song is played during the goodbye montage video package. It was also used in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants trailer[86] and in the thirtieth season of Brazilian soap opera Malhação.[87] The song was also featured on the 2020 episode "The Son" on the television show Little America.

In 2022, singer-songwriter Avril Lavigne, who originally co-wrote the song for her debut studio album, Let Go, released her version of the song for the expanded edition of said album to commemorate the 20th anniversary since its release. The lyrics included the original word 'snow' which Kelly Clarkson had changed to 'rain' to fit her perspective.[88][89]

Track listings edit

  • Australian CD single (Walt Disney Records release)[90]
  1. "Breakaway" – 3:58
  2. "Because You Live" – 3:18
  • Digital download and CD single (RCA Records reissue)[91][92][93]
  1. "Breakaway" – 3:58
  2. "Breakaway" (Napster Live) – 4:17

Credits and personnel edit

Credits are adapted from the liner notes of Breakaway.[94]

Recording

Personnel

Charts edit

Certifications edit

Certifications and sales for "Breakaway"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[138] Gold 35,000^
Canada (Music Canada)[139] Gold 10,000*
United Kingdom (BPI)[140] Gold 400,000
United States (RIAA)[141] Gold 2,128,000[51]

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history edit

Release dates and formats for "Breakaway"
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
United States July 19, 2004 Contemporary hit radio Walt Disney [6]
Australia September 13, 2004 CD Universal Music [142]
Finland May 31, 2006 Digital download Sony BMG [143]
France June 16, 2006 Jive [144]
Germany Sony BMG [145]
Ireland [146]
Spain [147]
United Kingdom June 19, 2006 RCA [148]
June 26, 2006 CD [149]
Germany July 28, 2006 Sony BMG [150]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b Kawashima, Dale. "Matthew Gerrard Co-Writes & Produces Big Hits For High School Musical Soundtrack and Other Artists". Songwriteruniverse.com. Songwriteruniverse.com. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  2. ^ a b c d Kawashima, Dale. "Bridget Benenate Talks About Co-Writing The Hit "Breakaway" For Kelly Clarkson, Plus Her Other Hits". SongwriterUniverse.com. SongwriterUniverse.com. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  3. ^ Moss, Corey (July 30, 2004). "Avril Lavigne Helps Kelly Clarkson Become A Pop 'Princess'". MTV.com. Viacom. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  4. ^ Moss, Corey (October 28, 2004). "Kelly Clarkson Tries For Another 'Breakaway' Hit". MTV.com. Viacom. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  5. ^ a b Contactmusic Staff (October 28, 2004). "Kelly Clarkson Biography". Contactmusic.com. Contactmusic. Retrieved September 5, 2012.
  6. ^ a b "R&R Going for Adds: CHR/Top 40 Week Of: July 19, 2004". Radio & Records. Archived from the original on December 3, 2013. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  7. ^ Rashabum, Alyssa (August 2, 2004). "New Releases: 'Princess Diaries 2' Soundtrack, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Alex Chilton, Nonpoint, Randy Travis & More". MTV.com. Viacom. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  8. ^ "Avril Lavigne demo of 'Breakaway' leaks". Digital Spy. April 1, 2014.
  9. ^ Blistein, Jon (June 3, 2022). "Avril Lavigne Drops New 'Breakway' Version, Unearths Rarities for 'Let Go' Anniversary". Rolling Stone. Retrieved June 3, 2022.
  10. ^ a b Wood, Michael (January 25, 2005). "Identity Crisis". The Village Voice. Archived from the original on February 22, 2014. Retrieved September 6, 2012.
  11. ^ "Breakaway - Kelly Clarkson". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  12. ^ a b "Kelly Clarkson, 'Breakaway' – Composition Sheet Music". Musicnotes.com. Universal Music Publishing Group. January 13, 2014. Retrieved May 15, 2014.
  13. ^ Dawood, T.U (May 18, 2006). "Eight Days a Week". Khawaja Kaleem Ahmed. Dawn Group of Newspapers. Archived from the original on January 20, 2013. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  14. ^ Lansky, Sam. "Top 10 Kelly Clarkson Songs". PopCrush.com. PopCrush.com. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  15. ^ Donnelly, Dave (February 9, 2006). "Kelly Clarkson Breakaway". Sputnikmusic. Jeremy Ferwerda. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  16. ^ Juba, Scott (January 17, 2005). "Music Review: Kelly Clarkson, "Breakaway"". The-trades.com. Burlee LLC. Archived from the original on December 13, 2012. Retrieved September 23, 2012.
  17. ^ Nichols, Natalie. Tribune Company (December 30, 2004). "Clarkson breaks from 'Idol' spotlight". Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  18. ^ Shipin, Shirley (December 15, 2004). "Kelly Clarkson Breakaway". Rolling Stone. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  19. ^ Lynn, Rhonda. "Kelly Clarkson Breakaway CD Review". Florida Entertainment Scene. Florida Entertainment Scene. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  20. ^ La Gorce, Tammy. "Amazon.co.uk Review". Amazon.com. Amazon, Inc. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  21. ^ Anderman, Joan (December 24, 2004). "CD Report". Boston.com. Archived from the original on January 18, 2013. Retrieved September 5, 2012.
  22. ^ "Essential Reviews". Billboard. Vol. 116, no. 29. July 17, 2004. p. 60. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  23. ^ Goldmark, Kathi Kamen. "Music Review: The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement Soundtrack". The Walt Disney Company. The Walt Disney Company. Retrieved September 5, 2012.
  24. ^ "American Idol Contestants' Greatest Hits". Oprah.com. Harpo Productions, Inc. May 24, 2010. Retrieved September 7, 2012.
  25. ^ Lamb, Bill. "Top 10 Kelly Clarkson Songs". About.com. The New York Times Company. Archived from the original on March 1, 2012. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  26. ^ "2005 Radio Music Awards Nominees Announced". Allaccess.com. November 4, 2005. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  27. ^ "NBC.com > 2005 Radio Music Awards". NBC.com. Archived from the original on November 2, 2012. Retrieved June 26, 2012.
  28. ^ "Announcing This Month's Recipients of BDSCertified Spin Awards". Billboard. Vol. 116, no. 52. December 25, 2004. p. 158. Retrieved September 6, 2012.
  29. ^ Bronson, Fred (May 12, 2015). "Top 100 'American Idol' Hits of All Time". Billboard. Retrieved January 17, 2016.
  30. ^ Corpuz, Kristin (April 24, 2017). "Kelly Clarkson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits". Billboard. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
  31. ^ a b "Chart Beat". Billboard. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  32. ^ "Hot 100: Week Ending August 28, 2004". Billboard. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  33. ^ "'Lean Back' Gets Comfy At No. 1". Billboard. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  34. ^ "'Boo!': Usher, Keys Scare Up No. 1 Single". Billboard. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  35. ^ a b "Hot 100: November 20, 2004". Billboard. Archived from the original on March 22, 2014. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  36. ^ "The Game's 'Documentary' Blasts Off At No. 1". Billboard. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  37. ^ a b "American Idol's Tenth Anniversary: Kelly Clarkson's Journey to 73 Billboard Chart Toppers". Billboard. June 11, 2012. Retrieved September 5, 2012.
  38. ^ "RIAA — Gold & Platinum – February 5, 2005". Recording Industry Association of America. Archived from the original on February 1, 2013. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  39. ^ "Pop Songs: Week Ending August 21, 2004". Billboard. Retrieved September 4, 2012.[permanent dead link]
  40. ^ "Pop Songs: Week of November 13, 2004". Billboard. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  41. ^ "Adult Pop Songs: Week of August 21, 2004". Billboard. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  42. ^ "Adult Pop Songs: Week of February 12, 2005". Billboard. Retrieved September 4, 2012.[permanent dead link]
  43. ^ "Adult Contemporary: Week Ending September 18, 2004". Billboard. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  44. ^ "Adult Contemporary: Week Ending October 2, 2004". Billboard. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  45. ^ "Adult Contemporary: Week Ending March 12, 2005". Billboard. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  46. ^ "Mariah's 'Together' Holds Off 'Replay' Charge". Billboard. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  47. ^ "Chart Beat". Billboard. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  48. ^ "Adult Contemporary: Week Ending August 6, 2005". Billboard. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  49. ^ "Mariah & No. 1: 'Together' Again". Billboard. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  50. ^ "Chart Beat". Billboard. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  51. ^ a b Trust, Gary (September 10, 2017). "Ask Billboard: Kelly Clarkson's Career Sales & 'Wild Thoughts' About Rihanna". Billboard. Retrieved September 10, 2017.
  52. ^ "Single Top 50; 26/09/2004". Hung Medien. September 26, 2004. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  53. ^ "Single Top 50; 17/10/2004". Hung Medien. October 17, 2004. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  54. ^ "ARIA Charts — Accreditations – 2004 Singles". Australian Recording Industry Association. Archived from the original on January 11, 2012. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  55. ^ "Single Top 40; 18/10/2004". Hung Medien. October 18, 2004. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  56. ^ "Single Top 40; 29/11/2004". Hung Medien. November 29, 2004. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  57. ^ a b "2006 Top 40 Official UK Singles Archive 8th July 2006". Official Charts Company. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  58. ^ "Top 50 Singles, Week Ending 29 June 2006". Irish Singles Chart. June 29, 2006. Archived from the original on May 24, 2012. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  59. ^ "Kelly Clarkson - Breakaway (Song)". Hung Medien. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  60. ^ "Top40 week 25 van 2006". Hung Medien. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  61. ^ D'Angelo, Joe (July 2, 2004). "Kelly Clarkson, Lindsay Lohan Provide Entries To Princess Diaries 2 LP". MTV.com. Viacom. Retrieved September 5, 2012.
  62. ^ Dwight, Pat (January 3, 2010). "BCYC Introduces Lindsey Krueger as Its 2009 Honored Skipper". SDA Word Wizards. SDA Word Wizards. Archived from the original on February 1, 2013. Retrieved September 5, 2012.
  63. ^ a b c Moss, Carey (July 30, 2004). "Avril Lavigne Helps Kelly Clarkson Become A Pop 'Princess'". MTV.com. Viacom. Archived from the original on January 29, 2013. Retrieved September 5, 2012.
  64. ^ a b c Aurthur, Kate . The New York Times Company (September 19, 2004). "DANCE: MUSIC VIDEO; The American Idol Diaries". The New York Times. Retrieved September 5, 2012.
  65. ^ "Video Premiere: Kelly Clarkson". MTV.com. Viacom. August 9, 2004. Retrieved September 5, 2012.
  66. ^ "AOL Music: Total Monthly Streams". Billboard. Vol. 116, no. 39. September 25, 2004. p. 84. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved September 6, 2012.
  67. ^ Macke, Johnni (May 14, 2018). "Kelly Clarkson's "Meaning of Life" Video Is Here! Where Does It Rank Among the Singer's Best Music Videos?". E! News. Retrieved May 18, 2018.
  68. ^ "Kelly Clarkson - Breakaway (Live on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno Aug-2004).avi". The First Post. First Post. Archived from the original on January 23, 2013. Retrieved September 7, 2012.
  69. ^ "Kelly Clarkson Tour 2005, Kelly Clarkson in concert: The Breakaway Tour". West Coast Music. West Coast Music. February 22, 2005. Retrieved September 6, 2012.
  70. ^ "Winning Big". Oprah.com. Harpo Productions, Inc. September 23, 2005. Archived from the original on November 5, 2013. Retrieved September 7, 2012.
  71. ^ Juba, Scott (April 12, 2005). "Concert Review: Kelly Clarkson Breakaway Tour". The-trades.com. Burlee LLC. Archived from the original on December 13, 2012. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  72. ^ Ganz, Carey (October 7, 2009). "Kelly Clarkson Mixes Biggest Hits With White Stripes, Kings of Leon Covers in New York". Rolling Stone. Retrieved September 6, 2012.
  73. ^ Cantiello, Jim (October 7, 2009). "Kelly Clarkson Fans Turn New York Concert Into A Giant Karaoke Party". MTV. Viacom. Retrieved September 6, 2012.
  74. ^ Wood, Mikael (April 4, 2012). "Kelly Clarkson Brings Out Famous Friends in Los Angeles". Rolling Stone. Retrieved September 6, 2012.
  75. ^ Graff, Gary. "Avril Lavigne keeps her head well above water during Fox Theatre return". The Oakland Press. Retrieved May 8, 2020.[permanent dead link]
  76. ^ Kaufman, Gil (March 9, 2010). "'American Idol' Ladies Night: Didi Benami And Crystal Bowersox Shine". MTV. Viacom. Retrieved September 7, 2012.
  77. ^ Cantiello, Jim (March 12, 2010). "Katie Stevens Profile: Teen Promises To 'Young It Up' On 'Idol'". MTV. Viacom. Retrieved September 7, 2012.
  78. ^ Ditzian, Eric (March 10, 2010). "'American Idol' Report Card: How Did The Girls Do?". MTV. Viacom. Retrieved September 7, 2012.
  79. ^ Stephens, Samantha (March 3, 2011). "'American Idol': Top 12 girls perform, Pia Toscano steals the show". The Republican (Springfield). MassLive LLC. Retrieved September 9, 2012.
  80. ^ Kaufman, Gil (March 2, 2011). "'American Idol' Top 12 Girls: Thia Megia, Pia Toscano Show Star Power". MTV. Viacom. Retrieved September 9, 2012.
  81. ^ "Belle Amie Leave The X Factor". MTV. Viacom. March 31, 2010. Retrieved September 7, 2012.
  82. ^ Sperling, Daniel (March 31, 2010). "Belle Amie voted out of 'X Factor'". Digital Spy. Nat Mags. Retrieved September 7, 2012.
  83. ^ BWW News Desk (April 18, 2012). "Smash's Megan Hilty Sings Studio Cover of Breakaway". Talktvworld.com. Wisdom Digital Media. Retrieved September 7, 2012.
  84. ^ Tucker, Matt (April 10, 2012). "Smash 1.10: "Understudy" Recap & Review". KSiteTV.com. Retrieved September 7, 2012.
  85. ^ "Glee on FOX – Breakaway (Full Performance)". Fox Broadcasting Company. Archived from the original on March 2, 2014. Retrieved March 1, 2014.
  86. ^ "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Soundtrack". June 1, 2005. Retrieved July 11, 2018.
  87. ^ "MALHAÇÃO (2006 - 2007) - TRILHA SONORA" (in Portuguese). Memória Globo. Rede Globo de Televisão. Archived from the original on January 29, 2016. Retrieved January 20, 2016.
  88. ^ Blistein, Jon (June 3, 2022). "Avril Lavigne Drops New'Breakway' Version, Unearths Rarities for 'Let Go' Anniversary". Rolling Stone. Retrieved June 3, 2022.
  89. ^ Shafer, Ellise (June 3, 2022). "Avril Lavigne Celebrates 'Let Go' 20th Anniversary With Expanded Edition, Including New Recording of 'Breakaway'". Variety. Retrieved June 3, 2022.
  90. ^ "Breakaway [Single, Import]". Amazon.com. Retrieved September 7, 2012.
  91. ^ "Breakaway - Kelly Clarkson". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved September 7, 2012.
  92. ^ "Breakaway - Single". iTunes. Apple Inc. Retrieved September 7, 2012.[permanent dead link]
  93. ^ "Breakaway — Kelly Clarkson". Schweizer Hitparade. Hung Medien. Retrieved April 6, 2013.
  94. ^ Breakaway (liner notes). Kelly Clarkson. RCA Records. 2004.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  95. ^ "Kelly Clarkson – Breakaway". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
  96. ^ "Kelly Clarkson – Breakaway" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
  97. ^ "Kelly Clarkson – Breakaway" (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
  98. ^ "Singles : Top 50". Jam!. October 7, 2004. Archived from the original on October 11, 2004. Retrieved January 23, 2023.
  99. ^ "R&R Canada CHR/Pop Top 30" (PDF). Radio & Records. No. 1583. November 26, 2004. p. 26. Retrieved October 15, 2020.
  100. ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Change the chart to CZ – RADIO – TOP 100 and insert 200702 into search. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
  101. ^ "Kelly Clarkson – Breakaway" (in Danish). Tracklisten. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
  102. ^ "Kelly Clarkson – Breakaway" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved October 29, 2018.
  103. ^ "Nielsen Music Control Airplay - Germany Top 5". Nielsen Music Control on behalf of BVMI. Archived from the original on August 22, 2006. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
  104. ^ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Rádiós Top 40 játszási lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
  105. ^ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Single (track) Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
  106. ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Breakaway". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  107. ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 25, 2006" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
  108. ^ "Kelly Clarkson – Breakaway" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
  109. ^ "Kelly Clarkson – Breakaway". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
  110. ^ "Arhiva romanian top 100 – Editia 16, saptamina 25.04 - 01.05, 2005". Romanian Top 100. Archived from the original on May 14, 2005. Retrieved April 11, 2019.
  111. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  112. ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 200705 into search. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
  113. ^ "Kelly Clarkson – Breakaway". Singles Top 100. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
  114. ^ "Kelly Clarkson – Breakaway". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
  115. ^ "Breakaway". Billboard. Archived from the original on December 10, 2019.
  116. ^ "Kelly Clarkson Chart History — Adult Contemporary — Breakaway". Billboard. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
  117. ^ "Kelly Clarkson Chart History — Adult Top 40 - Breakaway". Billboard. Retrieved September 30, 2012.[permanent dead link]
  118. ^ "Kelly Clarkson Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
  119. ^ "ARIA Charts – End of Year Charts – Top 100 Singles 2004". Australian Recording Industry Association. Archived from the original on May 2, 2015. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
  120. ^ "Billboard Top 100 - 2004". Billboard. Archived from the original on March 27, 2012. Retrieved May 15, 2014.
  121. ^ "2004 The Year in Charts: Most-Played AC Songs". Billboard Radio Monitor. Vol. 12, no. 51. December 17, 2004. p. 28.
  122. ^ "2004 The Year in Charts: Most-Played Adult Top 40 Songs". Billboard Radio Monitor. Vol. 12, no. 51. December 17, 2004. p. 26.
  123. ^ "Year in Music & Touring: Hot Digital Tracks". Billboard. Vol. 116, no. 52. December 25, 2004. p. YE-22. Retrieved December 21, 2023.
  124. ^ "Year in Music & Touring: Hot Soundtrack Tracks". Billboard. Vol. 116, no. 52. December 25, 2004. p. YE-72. Retrieved December 21, 2023.
  125. ^ "2004 The Year in Charts: Most-Played Mainstream Top 40 Songs". Billboard Radio Monitor. Vol. 12, no. 51. December 17, 2004. p. 22.
  126. ^ "Billboard Top 100 - 2004". Billboard. Archived from the original on March 27, 2012. Retrieved May 15, 2014.
  127. ^ a b "2005 The Year in Music & Touring: Hot Adult Contemporary Singles". Billboard. Vol. 117, no. 52. December 24, 2005. p. YE-76.
  128. ^ "2005 The Year in Music & Touring: Hot Digital Songs". Billboard. Vol. 117, no. 52. December 24, 2005. p. YE-38.
  129. ^ "2005 The Year in Charts: Top Mainstream Top 40 Songs". Billboard Radio Monitor. Vol. 13, no. 50. December 16, 2005. p. 26.
  130. ^ "2005 The Year in Music & Touring: Pop 100 Songs". Billboard. Vol. 117, no. 52. December 24, 2005. p. YE-43.
  131. ^ "2005 The Year in Music & Touring: Top Soundtrack Singles". Billboard. Vol. 117, no. 52. December 24, 2005. p. YE-74.
  132. ^ "Jahreshirtparade 2006" (in German). IFPI Austria. Hung Medien. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  133. ^ "Top 100 Albums - Jahrescharts 2006" (in German). GfK Entertainment. Retrieved August 30, 2015. (subscription required)
  134. ^ "MAHASZ Rádiós TOP 100 2006" (in Hungarian). Mahasz. Archived from the original on October 9, 2012. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  135. ^ "Jaarlisten: Jaargang 42, 2006" (in Dutch). Stichting Nederlandse Top 40. Retrieved August 21, 2011.
  136. ^ "Swiss Year-end singles chart for 2006". Swiss Music Charts. Archived from the original on January 13, 2010. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  137. ^ "Adult Contemporary – Decade Year End Charts". Billboard. Archived from the original on January 15, 2013. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  138. ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2004 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
  139. ^ "Canadian single certifications – Kelly Clarkson – Breakaway". Music Canada. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
  140. ^ "British single certifications – Kelly Clarkson – Breakaway". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved June 16, 2023.
  141. ^ "American single certifications – Kelly Clarkson – Breakaway". Recording Industry Association of America.
  142. ^ "The ARIA Report: Issue 759" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on February 22, 2008.
  143. ^ "Breakaway (2006) | Kelly Clarkson | High Quality Music Downloads | 7digital Suomi". Archived from the original on March 7, 2016. Retrieved August 24, 2013.
  144. ^ "Breakaway" – via Amazon.
  145. ^ "Breakaway" – via Amazon.
  146. ^ "Breakaway (2006) | Kelly Clarkson | MP3 Downloads 7digital Ireland". Archived from the original on October 2, 2013. Retrieved August 24, 2013.
  147. ^ "Breakaway" – via Amazon.
  148. ^ "Breakaway (2006) | Kelly Clarkson | MP3 Downloads 7digital United Kingdom". Archived from the original on February 26, 2013. Retrieved August 24, 2013.
  149. ^ "New Releases: Singles". Music Week. June 24, 2006. p. 29. Misprinted as the issue date, June 24, on source.
  150. ^ "Breakaway". July 28, 2006 – via Amazon.

External links edit