Kelly Clarkson is celebrating the major milestone of 10 successful years as a recording artist with the release of 'Greatest Hits - Chapter 1,' the first hits compilation package from the very first winner of 'American Idol.' The album, which features the first radio single, 'Catch My Breath,' will be available in stores and at all digital retailers just in time for the holiday shopping season.

"It's been a decade now since I won 'American Idol.' Sometimes it feels longer because although it has been exciting that was a lot of pressure to have as a 19-year-old girl," admits the Texas native via her official website. "To own a company, lead an organization as a business woman, and be able to create music I'm proud of has been tough, but inspiring, for me."

Clarkson found immediate success in mainstream pop music following her 2002 win as the best voice in America, setting the bar at a lofty height for hopefuls following in her rise to fame via the popular reality competition series. The singer has scored three solo Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles -- including the 2011 mega hit, 'Stronger' -- and has sold more than 11 million albums with five studio releases since.

Known primarily for her pop-rock sound, the now-Nashville resident has flirted around the boundary of mainstream pop and country music, earning her first-ever country No. 1 single in 2010 with 'Don't You Wanna Stay,' her collaboration with Jason Aldean. Clarkson and Reba McEntire just missed the top spot in 2007 with their 'Because of You' duet.

Through all the triumph and tribulation that comes with success, the risk-taking (and sometimes outspoken) singer views the pending project as ceremonious achievement for the industry colleagues and fervent fans who have shown unwavering support.

"To celebrate the strength and longevity that my fans, friends, and family have supported me with I wrote this song 'Catch My Breath' with one of my best friends that has seen me through everything," Clarkson says of the album's first radio single, which will be released to iTunes on Oct. 15. "This song represents who I've been, what I've felt, and where I'm headed as not only an artist but as a 30 year old that is now smart enough to know that it's time to stop, catch my breath, and be proud of not only what has been accomplished but of all the people that have helped me become the woman I am today."

The track listing for the domestic version of 'Greatest Hits - Chapter 1' has yet to be released, but according to Australian-based Sanity, the international version will be a CD/DVD combo set that will contain 21 audio tracks, including three brand new tunes. There has been no official word on any of the new material, but it has been speculated that one of the new tracks could possibly be a crossover country tune, given Clarkson's promise to 'earn' her CMA nomination for Female Vocalist of the Year.

"I promise to earn that,” Clarkson said just after the nominations were announced. Though the singer has deliberately dispelled rumors she plans to abandon her signature sound to go country 100 percent, she does admit that she plans to dabble in country music when the material feels right.

“I think we’re going to try and do a couple (of songs) just for country music and still keep doing stuff for pop, as well,” she shares. Clarkson is scheduled to perform during the upcoming 2012 CMAs ceremony.

'Greatest Hits - Chapter 1' is scheduled for a Nov. 16 release date.

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