Thankful (Kelly Clarkson album)

Thankful is the debut studio album by American singer Kelly Clarkson, released in the United States by RCA Records on April 15, 2003, followed by a worldwide release in July 2002. After winning the first season of reality singing contest American Idol in September 2002, Clarkson began recording her debut, collaborating with a variety of writers and producers. Originally slated for November 2002, its release was delayed due to her busy schedule and the search for material that fit her style. By the time it arrived, over six months had passed since her coronation song "A Moment Like This" reached number one.

Upon its release, Thankful received mixed reviews, with critics lauding Clarkson's vocal talent and versatility but criticizing the album as overproduced, formulaic, and closely tied to the American Idol machine. Commercially, the album was a success, debuting at number one in the United States with first week sales of 297,000 copies and selling 2.8 million copies to date. It also performed moderately well internationally, reaching the top five or top twenty in several countries and earning multiple Gold and Platinum certifications, with estimated worldwide sales of 4.5 million copies.

The album's lead single, "Miss Independent," became Clarkson's first international hit, reaching the top ten in five countries and earning a Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), as well as her first Grammy nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. It was followed by the moderately successful singles "Low" and "The Trouble with Love Is"; the latter featured on the soundtrack of the romantic comedy film Love Actually (2003). To support Thankful, Clarkson and Idol second season runner-up Clay Aiken co-headlined the 2004 Independent Tour throughout the US.