AMERICAN IDOL - KELLY CLARKSON'S CHOIR COMPENSATION

AMERICAN IDOL victor KELLY CLARKSON was a well-behaved student for just one reason - it was the only way she could guarantee herself a spot on the school choir.

The MISS INDEPENDENT singer, 21, attended BURLESON HIGH SCHOOL in Texas, where she held ambitions of having a successful music career - and she began putting in the groundwork as soon as she hit her teens.

She says, "The only reason I went to classes and made an effort was because you had to get good grades to be in the choir. I was really involved in high school.

"I was in three different choirs and I did drama, athletics, student council, and this group called the WANNABES. We did spoofs and won the talent show every year.

"I had such great teachers, and most of them pushed me. You have no idea how much that helps. When you're in school, you're like, 'Oh, I don't want to do this,' but now I'm glad I did, because I'm smart."