Grammys 2013: Kelly Clarkson wins for pop vocal album

Kelly Clarkson, the “American Idol” winner who was one of few peers to maintain a major pop career, won the award for pop vocal album at the 55th Grammy Awards, besting a diverse roster of artists including Florence and the Machine, Fun., Maroon 5 and Pink.

Clarkson won for her album “Stronger,” her fifth studio full-length, which was widely viewed as a return to form for the Texas-raised vocalist. Bolstered by popular singles, including the title track and “Mr. Know It All,” the album went platinum in America and returned her to the upper ranks of American pop stardom.

GRAMMYS 2013: Full coverage | Winners and nominees | Ballot | Nomination snubs & surprises | Timeline

Clarkson also recently made news for her well-received performance at President Obama’s inauguration ceremony, where she sang “America the Beautiful” without any pre-recorded vocals.

She bested a wide-ranging group of peers, all of whom used thoroughly produced rock instrumentation to arrive at a pop sound. Clarkson won over the U.K. act Florence & the Machine, the New York indie-electronic trio Fun., the R&B-infused; rock band Maroon 5 and pop-rock singer Pink.

The Grammys are determined by about 13,000 voting members. The eligibility period for nominated recordings was Oct. 1, 2011, to Sept. 30, 2012. The awards are being held at Staples Center and telecast on CBS-TV. They are broadcast live except for viewers on the West Coast. The latest headlines and any breaking news will be posted here on Pop & Hiss.

ALSO:

VOTE: Grammy Awards play-at-home ballot

TIMELINE: Grammy winners through the years

MORE GRAMMYS COVERAGE

TIMELINE: Grammy winners through the years

PHOTOS: 2013 winners & nominees

Grammys 2013: Complete list of nominees