KELLY CLARKSON - CLARKSON THANKS BEST PAL WITH GRAMMY PASS

Pop star KELLY CLARKSON used the Grammy Awards last night (08FEB06) to pay a special thanks to the pal who is helping her cope with the heartache of her love split.

The SINCE U BEEN GONE split with rocker boyfriend GRAHAM COLTON last month (JAN06) and childhood pal ASHLEY DONOVAN has been helping her through the blues.

And Clarkson said a special thank you to her best friend by asking her to be her 'date' at music's big night.

She says, "Ashley has also been the girl who has been doing my hair and make-up for years. She's a great friend."

Donovan also got a special mention from Clarkson as the American Idol star picked up her Best Female Pop Vocal Performance prize at the start of the big night for SINCE U BEEN GONE.