Inside the iconic Colosseum at Caesars Palace, the anticipation was palpable as the lights dimmed and the crowd erupted into cheers. Kelly Clarkson, the original American Idol and pop powerhouse, was set to take the stage for her highly anticipated Las Vegas residency, Studio Sessions. The evening promised an intimate and stripped-down experience, offering fans a rare glimpse into the heart of Clarkson’s musical journey.
Full Setlist
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me
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Walk Away
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Heat
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Dance With Me
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Behind These Hazel Eyes
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Heartbeat Song
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Breakaway
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Didn’t I
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Because of You
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mine
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Catch My Breath
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Beautiful Disaster
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Piece by Piece
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Miss Independent
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Sober
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Favorite Kind of High
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My Life Would Suck Without You
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Tightrope
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Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)
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Where Have You Been
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Kellyoke Cover: The Angel and the Saint (Goldie Boutilier)
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Since U Been Gone
The Energy
From the moment Clarkson stepped onto the stage, her presence was magnetic. Dressed casually in a black ensemble, she exuded a warmth and authenticity that immediately connected with the audience. The setlist was a carefully curated mix of fan favorites and deep cuts, showcasing her versatility and growth as an artist.
The production was minimalistic yet effective, with a wood-paneled stage design that mimicked a music studio. This setup allowed the focus to remain on the music and Clarkson’s powerful vocals. The intimate setting created a sense of closeness between the performer and the audience, making each song feel personal and heartfelt.
Highlights & Crowd Moments
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“me”: The opening track from her latest album set the tone for the evening. Clarkson’s emotive delivery and the song’s introspective lyrics resonated deeply with the audience.
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“Walk Away”: This early hit had the crowd singing along enthusiastically, a testament to Clarkson’s enduring appeal.
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“Heat”: The sultry rhythms of this track added a dynamic layer to the performance, showcasing Clarkson’s vocal range and versatility.
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“Dance With Me”: A playful and upbeat number that had the audience on their feet, dancing and clapping along.
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“Behind These Hazel Eyes”: A powerful ballad that showcased Clarkson’s ability to convey deep emotion through her music.
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“Heartbeat Song”: The infectious energy of this track had the crowd energized and engaged, singing along with every word.
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“Breakaway”: A nostalgic moment that had fans reflecting on Clarkson’s journey and the song’s significance in her career.
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“Didn’t I”: A poignant ballad that highlighted Clarkson’s vocal prowess and emotional depth.
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“Because of You”: A deeply personal song that resonated with many in the audience, evoking a strong emotional response.
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“mine”: A newer track that showcased Clarkson’s evolution as an artist, with its introspective lyrics and haunting melody.
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“Catch My Breath”: An empowering anthem that had the audience singing along, celebrating Clarkson’s resilience.
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“Beautiful Disaster”: A fan favorite that had the crowd swaying and singing along, reflecting on the song’s enduring popularity.
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“Piece by Piece”: A heart-wrenching ballad that had many in the audience moved to tears, showcasing Clarkson’s ability to connect emotionally with her fans.
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“Miss Independent”: An upbeat track that had the audience dancing and celebrating Clarkson’s journey to independence.
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“Sober”: A raw and emotional performance that highlighted Clarkson’s vulnerability and strength.
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“Favorite Kind of High”: A newer track that showcased Clarkson’s growth as an artist, with its introspective lyrics and captivating melody.
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“My Life Would Suck Without You”: An energetic and fun track that had the audience singing along and celebrating Clarkson’s success.
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“Tightrope”: A dynamic performance that showcased Clarkson’s vocal range and stage presence.
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“Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)”: An empowering anthem that had the entire arena on their feet, singing and dancing along.
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“Where Have You Been”: A newer track that had the audience intrigued and engaged, showcasing Clarkson’s continued evolution as an artist.
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“The Angel and the Saint”: A special Kellyoke cover that showcased Clarkson’s versatility and ability to reinterpret songs in her unique style.
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“Since U Been Gone”: The encore performance of this iconic hit had the entire arena on their feet, singing and dancing along, bringing the evening to a triumphant close.
The Vibe
The atmosphere at The Colosseum was electric, with fans of all ages coming together to celebrate Clarkson’s music and artistry. The intimate setting allowed for a personal connection between the performer and the audience, making each song feel like a shared experience.
Clarkson’s interactions with the crowd were genuine and heartfelt, often sharing personal stories and expressing gratitude for the support of her fans. Her sense of humor and down-to-earth demeanor added to the warmth and authenticity of the evening.
Tiny Quibbles
While the performance was largely flawless, there were a few minor technical issues. At times, the vocals were slightly overpowered by the instruments, making it difficult to catch every lyric. Additionally, the transitions between some songs felt a bit abrupt, though this did little to detract from the overall flow of the set.
Final Thoughts
Kelly Clarkson’s performance at The Colosseum was a testament to her enduring talent and ability to connect with her audience. The setlist was a perfect blend of new material and fan favorites, showcasing her versatility as an artist. The intimate setting allowed for a personal connection between Clarkson and her fans, making the evening feel special and memorable.
As the final notes of “Since U Been Gone” echoed through the arena, it was clear that Clarkson continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. Her ability to evolve and stay relevant while staying true to her roots is a testament to her artistry and dedication to her fans.