A Moment Like This – Kelly Clarkson | Top 40 Chart Performance, Story and Song Meaning
Chart Performance: Pop (#1); 2002
Story Behind The Song By Harris Sterling
In 2002, Kelly Clarkson won the inaugural season of American Idol, and A Moment Like This was released immediately following her victory. Written by Jörgen Elofsson and John Reid, the song was designed as the winner’s debut single.
Produced by Steve Mac, the recording features a traditional pop ballad arrangement built around piano and orchestration. Released in September 2002, the single quickly climbed to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, setting a record at the time for the largest jump to the top position.
The lyric reflects gratitude and disbelief at achieving a long-held dream. Rather than detailing a specific narrative, the song speaks broadly about perseverance and recognition.
A Moment Like This launched Kelly Clarkson’s recording career and remains closely associated with her breakthrough moment on national television.
Produced by:
Steve Mac
Lyrics Written by:
Jörgen Elofsson
John Reid
Awards:
No major Grammy Awards were awarded specifically for the single.
Harris Sterling
Independent music label executive Harris Sterling has worked in the music industry for most of his career.
As Executive Vice President for independent music label Madacy Entertainment, he led the strategic marketing and business development for the label, negotiating agreements with the major record labels to release custom music compilations under license with major brands, such as Ford Motor Company, Crayola, Care Bears and Elvis Presley Enterprises.
Harris also led Madacy’s strategy for the licensing of its entire music catalogue to Apple for their launch of the IPOD.
In 2011, Harris co-founded Starting Five Media, a company that specializes in recording and licensing custom renditions of popular songs as well as clearing the rights to the music composition for use by their clients in media projects.
Harris has negotiated publishing and master recording rights for many Top 40 songs for use in various media projects, TV Commercials and more.