Kelly Clarkson

After some very public squabbling with her record label, less-than-spectacular album sales and a cancelled summer tour, it’s safe to say it’s been a tough year for our girl Kelly. But just like anyone who’s launched into “Since U Been Gone” lyrics, Clarkson has a tendency to thrive on confrontation. She wrote or co-wrote all the songs on her new album, My December, which features that trademark Clarkson jilted lover angst alongside darker and more confessional ballads. The disc may not be a smash hit, but in the end, it’s Clarkson’s bring-the-house-down voice. It’s why we forgave her for From Justin to Kelly, it’s why (sorry, Claymates) she’s still the best thing to come out of American Idol, and it’s why we’ll be lined up with the rest of you when Clarkson-mania descends on the Tower Theatre.

Tower Theatre, 19 S. 69th St., Upper Darby, 610-352-2887; livenation.com