Kelly Clarkson Moves To Atlantic Records, Preps Album For 2017

Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson had big news for fans on Friday (June 24), announcing that she has signed a long-term deal with Warner Music’s Atlantic Records, and that she will release a soul and R&B-influenced album in 2017.

“We have already started creating a record that I have been wanting to make since I was a little girl, and a record that fans have been asking me to make for years,” Clarkson said. “Here’s to the future!”

After winning American Idol‘s first season in 2002, Clarkson has been signed with Sony Music’s RCA label, though Clarkson’s relationship with the label, including its former chairman/CEO Clive Davis, has been at times tumultuous.

“After winning American Idol there was an arranged marriage that occurred that sometimes worked out and sometimes resulted in the hardest experiences of my life,” Clarkson said in a statement.

“It was my first time that I actually got to pick who I got to work with, and Atlantic Records was overwhelmingly inspired by me and excited to work with me,” the singer told fans during a Facebook Live post. “I want to say thank you so much to RCA for the past 15 years. We did awesome together but I am very, very, very excited about picking my label for the first time.”

“Here we go, Atlantic Records! Cheers!” Photo: Kelly Clarkson Facebook

During the video, she also promised a country album at some point. “I love the country side of me and the Broadway side of me and the pop side of me. They are down to make whatever record I’m into, which is real rare. They have a great country department, if I ever want to make that. I know the fans have been asking when I’m going to make a country record. I promise you I’m going to make one, I love country music. But right now I would really love to focus on making the most amazing soulful record.”

Clarkson also offered four free cover songs on kellyclarksonlive.com, including Coldplay’s “Fix You,” Radiohead’s “Creep,” Etta James’s “I’d Rather Go Blind,” and India Arie’s “Ready For Love.”