Kelly Clarkson "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)"
Kelly Clarkson's "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)", released in 2011, is one of the most iconic hits of her career.
With its empowering message about overcoming adversity and its catchy, energetic arrangement, the song became a major hit, resonating deeply with listeners who had experienced heartbreak or personal struggles.
"Stronger" masterfully combines Clarkson’s powerful vocals with an uptempo pop-rock sound, making it one of her signature songs that continues to inspire fans worldwide.
Song Overview
"Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" was featured on Kelly Clarkson’s fifth studio album, Stronger, released in 2011. It served as the album’s second single.
The song is an upbeat pop-rock track with elements of electro-pop, featuring dynamic beats that build toward a soaring, anthemic chorus. One of its most famous lines, "What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger", is derived from a well-known quote by Friedrich Nietzsche, reinforcing the song’s theme of resilience and personal growth.
Lyrically, the song conveys a message of empowerment, emphasizing that setbacks and heartbreaks only make a person stronger. This uplifting perspective resonated with a broad audience, making it more than just a breakup song—it became an anthem of self-improvement and perseverance.
Songwriting and Production
"Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" was written by Jörgen Elofsson, David Gamson, and Greg Kurstin.
Greg Kurstin, who also produced the track, is a highly respected producer known for his work with artists like Adele and Sia. His production approach infused the song with a powerful rock-driven energy while incorporating modern synth elements to create a contemporary and polished sound.
Originally, the song was written as a demo for another artist, but after Clarkson recorded it, her emotive performance transformed it into a compelling anthem. Her soulful voice and passionate delivery elevate the song’s message, making it one of the most memorable tracks of her career.
Charts
"Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" quickly became one of Kelly Clarkson’s biggest hits.
In the United States, it reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for three consecutive weeks, marking her second No. 1 single on the chart. It also topped multiple Billboard charts, including Adult Pop Songs and Dance Club Songs, demonstrating its crossover appeal.
Internationally, the song reached No. 8 on the UK Singles Chart and made the Top 10 in countries like Canada and Australia, further cementing its global success.
At the 2013 Grammy Awards, "Stronger" was nominated for Best Pop Solo Performance, receiving critical acclaim for its empowering lyrics and Clarkson’s vocal performance.
The song also achieved 4× Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), proving its enduring popularity through digital sales and streaming.
Music Video
The music video for "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" visually represents the song’s energetic and uplifting spirit through dance and performance sequences.
Directed by Shane Drake, the video alternates between shots of Clarkson performing and various groups of people dancing in different locations worldwide. The dancers are seen in public spaces such as parks, shopping malls, bridges, and rooftops, symbolizing the song’s universal theme of resilience and personal strength.
Clarkson appears in the video wearing casual attire, delivering a powerful yet simple performance, allowing her vocals and the song’s message to take center stage.
The video quickly gained popularity, amassing hundreds of millions of views on YouTube and further boosting the song’s reach.
Kelly Clarkson "Mr. Know It All"
Kelly Clarkson's "Mr. Know It All" was released in September 2011 as the lead single from her album Stronger. The song features assertive lyrics and her powerful vocals, blending elements of pop and soft rock in a mid-tempo track. The theme revolves around standing up against criticism and prejudice.
