
Singer Kelly Clarkson performs onstage at "VH1 Divas" 2012 held at The Shrine Auditorium on Dec. 16, 2012 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Kelly Clarkson will be singing “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” at the inauguration, and Clarkson definitely ’tis of this country – the 30-year-old Texas native was the first American Idol winner back in 2002. She’s also the most successful: Last year’s single “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” is the best-selling single from an Idol contestant ever. But Clarkson isn’t just a symbol of endurance for her decade of pop music. Her appearance is also a symbol of reaching across the aisle. Though she voted for Obama this year because of her stance on social issues, Clarkson is a proud Republican at heart who loves Ron Paul so much that she once tweeted her support. That’s not to say her performance will be easily received — indeed, Clarkson has big shoes (and perhaps a big hat) to fill: Aretha Franklin sang the patriotic tune at Obama’s first inauguration four years ago.