Clarkson kicks off My December tour in NY

VERONA , N.Y., Oct. 12 (UPI) -- Former "American Idol" star Kelly Clarkson has kicked off her 26-city "My December" tour in Verona, N.Y.

The tour follows a triumphant trip to Australia where she played sold-out performances in

Melbourne and Sydney, appeared on three of Australia TV's most popular programs --"The Footy Show finale," "Sunrise" and "Australia Idol" -- and attended a gold-plaque presentation for Australian sales of her album, "My December."

On Wednesday, the Grammy Award-winning singer took the stage at The Turning Point Casino in Verona.

She is set to play the first of three sold-out performances at New York City's Beacon Theatre Monday where she will sing her biggest hits like "Since U Been Gone," "Walk Away," "Because of You" and "Behind These Hazel Eyes," as well as "Never Again" and "Sober."

Interviews and behind-the-scenes footage of rehearsals for her tour, as well as scenes from her trip to Australia, can be viewed at www.kellyclarkson.com.

"I love the idea of giving something special to my fans," Clarkson said in a statement. "I'm psyched about the tour and I want everyone else to share that excitement."