Kelly Clarkson: From ‘Thankful’ to ‘Stronger’ [PHOTOS]

Since her American Idol days and her debut album, Thankful, Kelly Clarkson has come a long way.

On Monday, the 29-year-old will release her fifth studio album, Stronger, an album that promises the usual Clarkson powerhouse ballads, edgy personality and pop and R&B melodies.

I really fought hard on that first album, and I've fought the same on every single one of them . . . this album, because I've been doing it for 10 years, people know me better as an artist. After four albums, they get it at this point, Clarkson told USA Today.

Clarkson, who was just 20 years old when she was crowned the first winner ever on American Idol, has sold millions of albums and won multiple awards over the years, including two Grammys.

Her second studio album, Breakway, has sold more than 12 million copies since its 2007 release.

For the past two weeks, Clarkson has been previewing tracks from Stronger via her YouTube page.

The album's first single, Mr. Know It All, is Clarkson's second highest debut on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, behind Never Again, a single from the 2007 album My December.

Clarkson has had quite the ride on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The singer is behind seven Top 10 singles on the chart, thanks to hits like Since U Been Gone, Because of You and My Life Would Suck Without You.

Stronger, according to Clarkson, is influenced by everything and everyone, including Prince and Sheryl Crow.

Sonically, it's my best sounding album, Clarkson also told USA Today.

In support of her new album, the Texas native has a string of television appearances this week, including The Today Show on Tuesday, The View on Wednesday and Late Night With Jimmy Fallon on Friday.

Here's a photo tribute to Kelly Clarkson, from Thankful to Stronger.