Kelly Clarkson [1] started off as America's powerhouse sweetheart on American Idol [2] in 2002 and soon became one of the reigning queens of contemporary pop music. She's taken on different roles over her career — a coach on The Voice [3], philanthropist, and talk show host [4]. But one thing remains constant: she can hit and hold any note on the planet masterfully and with a whole lotta emotion. Listen to her live, and she'll sound even better than she does on her album with extra riffs and ad-libs! While it was hard to choose, here are Clarkson's very best live performances, from a soulful cover of "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" to a tear-inducing version of "Piece by Piece."
American Idol, 2002: "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman"
Few people can take on Aretha Franklin and hit all of the right notes. But of course, Kelly Clarkson [5] can. And reader, she did. The pop vocalist even went into her whistle tone in this famous American Idol performance.
American Idol Finale, 2002: "A Moment Like This"
Right after winning American Idol, the then green singer poured her heart into "A Moment Like This." The song became the first single for a winner on the singing competition.
BRIT Awards, 2006: "Since U Been Gone"
Honestly, this wouldn't be a proper list about Kelly Clarkson [6] if it didn't feature "Since U Been Gone," an aughts icon [7]. The pop star tackled her notorious hit at the BRIT Awards in 2006, shredding her upper register like a true rocker in those high notes.
American Idol, 2007: "Never Again"
You have to think twice about whether or not it was Clarkson herself who invented rock and roll after this fiery, gritty live performance of "Never Again" on American Idol in 2007.
The Troubadour, 2011 : Sober
Clarkson brought her most angelic, steady, and warm vocals to "Sober" during her gig at The Troubadour.
Kelly Clarkson's Cautionary Christmas Music Tale, 2013: "Underneath the Tree"
Christmas comes but once a year, yet we can listen to Kelly Clarkson [8] all of the time. If her energetic, pitch perfect take on this yuletide classic doesn't get you into a holiday mood, I don't know what will.
iHeartRadio, 2016:"It's Quiet Uptown"
If the original wasn't already so darn masterful, the pop vocalist brought a tender, soulful element to Lin-Manuel Miranda [9]'s "It's Quiet Uptown" in her 2016 cover for The Hamilton Mixtape [10].
American Idol, 2016: "Piece by Piece"
Clarkson's emotionally charged, stripped-down arrangement [11] of "Piece by Piece" during American Idol's farewell season had everyone crying, including the singer herself, Keith Urban [12], and all of country.
AMAs, 2017: "Miss Independent/Love So Soft"
Donning a sparkly feathered dress, the seasoned singer launched straight into a cheeky, spirited performance of her classic "Miss Independent" then transitioned into the more recent "Love So Soft" at the AMAs [13].
Macy's 4th of July Spectacular, 2018, "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)"
Queen KC, of course, belted every note perfectly in "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" during the Macy's 4th of July Spectacular in 2018, prompting everyone to wave their red, white, and blue.
Billboard Music Awards, 2018: Opening Medley
The American Idol darling turned vocal goddess can pretty much sing anything, and she took on a huge chunk of pop culture in this medley, which includes songs by Maren Morris, Sam Smith, Kendrick Lamar, Imagine Dragons, Khalid, Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, and Shawn Mendes.
The Voice, 2018: "I Don't Think About You"
Coach Kelly flaunted her beautiful vocal chops in her soulful rendition of "I Don't Think About You" during the top 10 live performances on The Voice [14].
Kennedy Centre Honours, 2018: "Fancy"
Clarkson's husband's stepmother is none other than Reba McEntire herself. The pop chanteuse paid homage to the country superstar with a powerful rendition of "Fancy" [15] at the Kennedy Centre Honours in 2018.