Kelly Clarkson Delivers High-Octane Cover of ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Anthem
The supernatural energy of KPop Demon Hunters was felt in full force during Tuesday’s (Jan. 13) episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show. For her latest “Kellyoke” segment, the Grammy-winning vocalist reimagined a standout track from the Netflix animated film’s hit soundtrack, giving the fictional girl group HUNTR/X a soulful, pop-rock makeover.
Flanked by her house band, Clarkson tapped into the fierce spirit of the demon-slaying protagonists. She delivered the lyrics with a raw, emotional depth that emphasized the song’s narrative of survival and triumph, showcasing her signature vocal range.
“I broke into a million pieces, and I can’t go back/ But now I’m seeing all the beauty in the broken glass,” she belted with conviction. Clarkson’s rendition honored the original trio of EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI, while injecting her own powerhouse charisma into the chorus: “The scars are part of me, darkness and harmony/ My voice without the lies, this is what it sounds like.”
“What It Sounds Like” has become a cultural phenomenon in its own right, peaking at No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 this past September. The accompanying film soundtrack also enjoyed a massive debut, reaching the summit of the Billboard 200. The project’s success has been bolstered by the global smash “Golden,” which spent eight weeks at No. 1 and recently secured the Golden Globe for Best Original Song just days before Clarkson’s performance.
Now in its seventh season, The Kelly Clarkson Show has been celebrating the film’s success beyond the music; Clarkson recently welcomed Arden Cho, who provides the voice for the character Rumi, for an on-air interview.
During a candid Q&A session shared on the show’s YouTube channel, Clarkson also provided a glimpse into her personal life. She discussed how she and her two children have been supporting one another following the passing of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock. “There’s been a lot for our family recently, and so I have allowed my kids to sleep with me quite a bit,” she shared. “It’s my two dogs, my two kids, and me. It’s been really special, though, because the conversations you have during that time are pretty cute. That’s probably my favorite time of day.”
While fans await Clarkson’s next studio project following the 2023 release of Chemistry—which debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard 200—her daily “Kellyoke” performances continue to prove why she remains one of the most versatile voices in the industry.
Watch Kelly Clarkson’s soaring rendition of “What It Sounds Like” above.
