In early 2004, Clarkson began working on new material for her second studio album, which followed her successful debut album Thankful (2003), while co-headlining the Independent Tour See more

Breakaway was first released in North America on November 30, 2004, by RCA Records, 19 Recordings, and S Records, following an influx of releases by American Idol contestants … See more

The album received positive reviews from music critics. AllMusic senior editor Stephen Thomas Erlewine, who gave it four out of five stars, wrote "what gives Breakaway its spine are the … See more

Breakaway is currently Clarkson's most successful release to date, with sales of over 12 million copies worldwide. On the week ending … See more

Wanting to stray away from the R&B-styled music of Thankful, which she described as a showcase of versatility, she revealed that … See more

Breakaway's lead single, "Since U Been Gone", was released in November 2004, but gained traction at the beginning of 2005. After debuting at number seventy, it peaked on the Billboard Hot 100 at number two, and stayed in the chart's top ten for 20 weeks. Despite … See more

Breakaway received various accolades from several music industry awards. It won Grammy Awards for Best Pop Vocal Album See more