She subsequently began recording Free Yourself, working with a variety of songwriters and producers, including Louis Biancaniello, Craig Brockman, Bryan-Michael Cox, Clive Davis, Jermaine Dupri, Missy Elliott, Sean Garrett, Jazze Pha, Darkchild, Harold Lilly, Ric Rude, Soulshock & Karlin, The Underdogs, Sam Watters and Nigel Wright.

[13] "Ain't Gon' Beg You" was released as the fifth and final single from Free Yourself on August 1, 2005,[14] reaching the top 40 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.

Gone is Matthew Wilder, who contributed to Kelly's debut; gone are Neil Sedaka and Aldo Nova, who featured heavily on Clay's album.

"[15] IGN critic Chris Carle "note that "there are a few missteps on Free Yourself, but the album as a whole is solid, old-fashioned R&B featuring thee best voice yet to come from America's most popular show.

"[1] Christian Hoard from Rolling Stone found that Free Yourself "leaves too much room for the pyrotechnics that constitute vocal talent on the show.

The result is solid, up-to-date R&B; that puts some sexy bounce into its soccer-mom pop and bookends a cover of "Summertime" with a Missy Elliott jam.

[21] A steady seller, it remained 42 weeks on the chart and was eventually certified platinum by Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on January 6, 2005.