Since U Been Gone — Kelly Clarkson (2004)

Kelly Clarkson's "Since U Been Gone," released in 2004, became a pop-rock anthem, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. The song, written and produced by Max Martin and Lukasz Gottwald (Dr. Luke), was initially turned down by Pink and Hilary Duff before finding its powerhouse vocalist in Clarkson. Her dynamic vocal performance, showcasing a broad range, contributed to its widespread success and critical acclaim. "Since U Been Gone" won a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance at the 48th Annual Grammy Awards in 2006. Its music video, which famously depicts Clarkson wreaking havoc in an ex-boyfriend's apartment, won Best Female Video and Best Pop Video at the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards. As of November 2025, it had achieved over one billion streams on Spotify, solidifying its place as a significant song of the 2000s.