Kelly Clarkson now knows Obama's name

WE HEAR: She’s been tapped to belt out “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” at the presidential inauguration on Jan. 21, but a few years ago, Kelly Clarkson was still trying to pin down then-Sen. Barack Obama’s (D-Ill.) name.

Back in 2006, Obama received a Grammy award in the “Best Spoken Word” category for the audio version of his book, “Dreams From my Father.”

Because he wasn’t able to make the Grammy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles, arrangements were made for Obama to pick up his trophy at that year’s Grammys on the Hill event in the Cannon House Office Building caucus room. The annual Washington event — which this year was held on Wednesday and featured singer and “Sex and the City” actor John Corbett, along with songwriter J.R. Stewart — promotes music policy issues and works to advance the rights of music creators through advocacy, education and dialogue.

Clarkson, 30, was a performer at Grammys on the Hill seven years ago. But the soon-to-be presidential candidate wasn’t exactly a household name in 2006, and Clarkson had a tough time remembering what to call him. When it came time for the “Catch my Breath” singer to introduce Obama, she said, “Ladies and gentlemen ... here is Sen. Barack.”

Clarkson handed the Grammy Award to a laughing Obama.

Photo: Clarkson and Obama pose with his award at Grammys on the Hill in 2006.

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