Comeback Kid Kelly Clarkson Makes History

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Comeback Kid Kelly Clarkson Makes History

Thu., Jan. 29, 2009 11:35 AM PST by David Jenison

Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com

Kelly Clarkson's been dreaming of another moment like this for a long time.

The erstwhile American Idol has kicked off her comeback with one for the history books as her new single, "My Life Would Suck Without You," not only became the first No. 1 with "suck" in the title, but also has made the largest leap to the top slot in Hot 100 history.

The Max Martin- and Dr. Luke-crafted jumped 96 spots, beating the previous biggest move, Britney Spears' recent 95-spot jump for "Womanizer."

But Clarkson's history-making ways don't stop there. "My Life" also makes Clarkson the first Idol contestant to score a second solo No. 1.

Her first came shortly after she won the inaugural Idol, with "A Moment Like This." Ever her hugely popular 2005 hit "Since U Been Gone" only made it to No. 2.

In fact, all the previous Idol-spawned No. 1s—Clay Aiken's "This Is the Night," Fantasia's " I Believe," Carrie Underwood's "Inside Your Heaven" and Taylor Hicks' "Do I Make You Proud"—were season finale performances released shortly afterwards. Clarkson is also the first Idol contestant to top the Hot 100 in nearly three years.

Clarkson was powered by massive digital sales. In its debut week, "My Life" sold nearly 280,000 downloads to top the Digital Tracks chart. She undoubtedly hopes this is a return to form after the My December debacle.

Her new album, All I Ever Wanted, releases on March 17.

Meanwhile, U2 managed to get a "Boot" in the door. The superstar rockers scored the week's biggest bow as "Get on Your Boots" debuted at No. 37. The band, which has just been tapped to play the Grammys, drops its latest album, No Line on the Horizon, on March 3.