How to translate a good clical singing voice into a good pop singing voice?

I have taken voice lessons for a year and participated in choirs, and from what others have told me, have an above average operatic voice. I have a pretty good soprano range and sing vibrato naturally, which seems to work particularly well with hymns and many broadway pieces. (Keep reading-I promise I'm not conceited.) However, when I try to sing Kelly Clarkson & other mainstream pop songs, it just sounds kind of blah-like I don't sound like one of the people who go on American Idol singing terribly, but it just doesn't sound like anything special. I'm planning to continue the clical vocal training, but I would really like to be able to confidently sing pop music well, too, as this is type of music performed in many mainstream venues. Any advice?