Here Are Kelly Clarkson’s 17 Best “Kellyoke” Performances That Prove She’s The Most Versatile Vocalist Of Our Time
Kelly can really slay any genre.
When Kelly Clarkson first emerged victorious on American Idol, she’d already proven her ability to take any song and make it her own with her incredible vocal talent.
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Now, 23 years after becoming the reality show’s inaugural winner, she continues to captivate audiences with the power of her voice. Her “Kellyoke” performances on The Kelly Clarkson Show have become a staple of daytime television, and for good reason.
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Whether she’s belting out emotional ballads or reenergizing classic rock anthems, her versatility knows no limits. Over the years, Kelly Clarkson has shown time and time again that she can tackle any genre with ease.
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Each performance is a masterclass in vocal power and emotion. Below, we’ve ranked the 17 best Kellyoke performances that prove just that.
17. “Like Eating Glass” by Bloc Party
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Another stellar performance from Kelly Clarkson, her take on this Bloc Party classic transforms it into a riveting rock anthem with a Florence-esque vibe that feels entirely fresh.
16. “My Heart Will Go On” by Céline Dion
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Few artists can do Céline Dion justice — especially when it comes to one of her most iconic songs. Yet Kelly Clarkson’s rendition of this powerhouse ballad left everyone in awe, including Celine Dion herself.
15. “Happier Than Ever” by Billie Eilish
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One of the most unforgettable Kellyoke moments came when Kelly Clarkson took on Billie Eilish’s “Happier Than Ever.” From capturing the brooding intensity of the intro to unleashing the explosive power of the buildup, KC delivered a certified fan favorite.
14. “I Have Nothing” by Whitney Houston
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To celebrate the 1,000th episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show, Kelly delivered a jaw-dropping performance of Whitney Houston’s classic hit “I Have Nothing.” It was an exceptional showcase of her vocal versatility and range, proving once again why she’s a powerhouse in the industry. While it might be too soon to rank it among the all-time best, it’s undeniably one of her most breathtaking Kellyoke moments.
13. “Up To The Mountain (MLK Song)” by Patty Griffin
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In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 2021, Kelly delivered a stunning rendition of Patty Griffin’s 2006 single. Her deeply soulful performance earned widespread praise, and rightfully so — it was a powerful tribute that showcased her remarkable vocal depth.
12. “I’m Sorry” by Blake Shelton
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Taking on Shelton’s 2011 single, Kelly’s raw emotion fueled this Kellyoke performance and made it easily one of the best she’s executed on her show.
11. “9 To 5” by Dolly Parton
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Dolly Parton is GOATed in her own right, making any cover of her music an intimidating, extraordinarily daunting task for any vocalist. But when Kelly Clarkson’s chops are put to the test, they hardly disappoint. Throw in a surprise duet with Dolly herself, and you’ve got the recipe for an instant classic.
10. “abcdefu” by Gayle
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Channeling her fresh heartbreak, Kelly tackled Gayle’s 2022 single with effortless power. Coming on the heels of her divorce from Brandon Blackstock, her rendition featured a pointed lyric change that seemed to take aim at her ex, which, paired with her undeniable vocal talent, added an extra layer of emotion that made the song hit even harder.
9. “Poison & Wine” by The Civil Wars (with Brandi Carlile)
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Kelly Clarkson is undoubtedly a powerhouse on her own, but when she teams up with equally brilliant vocalists, the result is pure magic — sometimes enough to bring you to tears. When Clarkson joined forces with Brandi Carlile to cover The Civil Wars’ “Poison & Wine,” they delivered a hauntingly beautiful rendition that took the song to breathtaking new heights.
8. “Dream On” by Aerosmith
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Kelly never misses when she tackles Aerosmith, but her cover of “Dream On'” is truly something special. With her impressive vocal range, she tackled an iconic classic rock anthem and made it her own.
7. “Water Under the Bridge” by Adele
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If you ever needed a reminder of why she became the first-ever winner of American Idol, just listen to Kelly’s rendition of Adele’s “Water Under the Bridge.” It’s powerful, energetic, and downright captivating — a rare instance where the cover does justice to a modern classic.
6. “7 Rings” by Ariana Grande
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Kelly Clarkson’s greatest gift is her ability to take any song and make it undeniably her own. Her “7 Rings” cover highlighted her unique style and technical prowess. Her effortless flow and cadence were on par with the original but with signature flare. She once again proved why she’s the queen of versatility.
5. “Hold On We’re Going Home” by Drake
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While Drake and Majid Jordan did their thing, Kelly’s range truly shines in this cover. Her thunderous vocals pair perfectly with the lush production but those high notes…they’ll really do something to you.
4. “Walkin’ After Midnight” by Patsy Cline
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Clarkson adds a bluesy and jazzy twist to this country tune that demonstrates her versatility as a singer. Her ability to seamlessly blend her various influences together brings something refreshing to the table, as she always does during Kellyoke.
3. “Only Love Can Hurt Us Like This” by Paloma Faith
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This cover of the Paloma Faith song is both breathtaking and powerful. Kelly Clarkson’s commanding vocals are filled with raw emotion, showcasing her undeniable talent and making it one of the most unforgettable Kellyoke performances on this list.
2. “Chandelier” by Sia
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From country to soul to pop, Kelly never fails to surprise us with something fresh during Kellyoke. But we’ve got to give it up for her rendition of Sia’s “Chandelier.” Those soaring high notes are nothing short of jaw-dropping.
1. “The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World
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Perhaps one of the more underrated Kellyoke segments saw her covering “The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World. Her gorgeous vocal performance undercuts the heaviness of the original but it doesn’t take away from how great the song is. Like other entries in this list, Kelly Clarkson totally turned it into something her own.
