Kelly Clarkson’s ‘All I Ever Wanted’ leaks early. Thanks, Apple?

"All I Ever Wanted" by Kelly Clarkson was accidently leaked several weeks early by the Norway division of iTunes.

Kelly Clarkson’s “All I Ever Wanted” has hit the Web in advance of its March 10 release date, and the culprit? Apple’s iTunes store, according to this report in Rolling Stone.

So much for that carefully orchestrated release plan.

The website for the magazine notes that it was the Norway division of Apple’s iTunes music service. An Apple spokesperson has yet to respond, but Rolling Stone provided this screen grab of the Norwegian iTunes store as proof, and reported that the file was encoded via iTunes.

Once serviced to retailers, keeping an album under wraps is a near impossibility. While “All I Ever Wanted” is not yet available to preview via any U.S. retailers or officially sanctioned sites, Rolling Stone notes that the Norwegian site was hosting 30-second audio clips when fans realized the album could be purchased.

Idolator has already posted a one-listen verdict, noting: “It’s a fun collection of pop tracks that’s carried in large part by Clarkson’s endlessly rootable personality and (slightly sweetened, but still undeniable) pipes.” But the RIAA would be pleased to know that download restrictions here at Pop & Hiss HQ prevent the album from being obtained.

The leak comes near the end of what has been a drawn-out marketing plan, even by major label standards. Beginning in late December, trinkets regarding “All I Ever Wanted” have been gradually making it out to the media. Over the next few weeks, the unveiling of Clarkson’s single, title, art and lyrics were all treated as mini events.

If the iTunes leak is indeed true, it appears to be the second semi-legit leak of a major album this week. Earlier today, news spread that the leak of U2’s “No Line on the Horizon” was the result of the Australian arm of the Universal Music Group.

Forbes posted a detailed story, and wondered if the move would ultimately be a “colossal blunder” or a “marketing ploy.” The band took advantage of the Web chatter on the album and today made it officially available for streaming via MySpace. Look for Clarkson’s “All I Ever Wanted” to appear on some sort of official channel soon.

Source: LA Times.com