Kelly Clarkson’s Sales Are Stronger Since She Backed Ron Paul

Since Kelly Clarkson expressed support for Republican presidential hopeful Ron Paul this week, she’s found herself in a spiteful firestorm, with many fans voicing displeasure about Paul’s views on gay rights and the death penalty. But it turns out other fans (and perhaps other pop-inclined Paul supporters?) are standing by her — and voting with their wallets. Sales of Clarkson’s Stronger have jumped dramatically on Amazon and iTunes in the last 24 hours, a sign that the controversy surrounding the rapturous diva may include an odd silver lining. Details below.

GossipCop notes that Stronger has risen from #41 to #13 on Amazon’s chart, and we just clocked it at #15 on iTunes album chart. It’s worth noting that Amazon and iTunes represent just two pieces of a market that also includes major retailers like Wal-Mart and Best Buy — and that a 24-hour boost may not ultimately add up to that much. (Also worth noting that people are snapping up her two-month-old studio album and not her brand-new live EP.) But it’s been fascinating to see a superstar of Clarkson’s stature engage in a political discourse directly with her fans, via her tweets and her WhoSay site.

Clarkson also posted an apology of sorts to fans who felt offended, saying:

“I am really sorry if I have offended anyone. Obviously that was not my intent. I do not support racism. I support gay rights, straight rights, women’s rights, men’s rights, white/black/purple/orange rights. I like Ron Paul because he believes in less government and letting the people (all of us) make the decisions and mold our country. That is all. Out of all of the Republican nominees, he’s my favorite.”

Clarkson has waged battles in public before (most notably with her former label boss Clive Davis), and always seems to earn more respect from her fans by breaking away from convention. This time, though, “Miss Independent” seems to have alienated some of her most ardent followers. Meanwhile, the debate itself continues in real time, with Clarkson’s friend Blake Shelton speaking up for her, and Ron Paul himself expressing thanks.

How will all this play as election season rolls on, and Clarkson prepares for her 2012 tour? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter or in the comments.

[Via Mediaite]