Kelly Clarkson on 'SNL': Self-Empowerment Jams, Now With Keytar!

Posted on Jan 8th 2012 10:20AM by Kenneth Partridge

Kevin Winter/NBCUniversal, Getty Images

Kelly Clarkson is pop's queen of self-empowerment, and last night (Jan. 7) on 'Saturday Night Live,' she offered up two of her latest mood-boosting jams. Given that 'What Doesn't Kill You (Stronger)' and 'Mr. Know It All' are about finding the strength and courage to go it alone, it was somewhat ironic that Clarkson sang both with the help of such a large backing band. Then again, as she presided over three guitarists, three backup singers, a rhythm section and even a keytar player, it was as if she was commanding her own army.

Kicking things off with 'What Doesn't Kill You,' the 'American Idol' winner rocked black duds and harsh bangs. The look fit the song's snarling kiss-off vibe, and toward the end of the tune, she got the audience to clap along, inviting others to share in the glory of moving on from a bad relationship.

Aired later in the show, 'Mr. Know It All' brought more of the same, only this time, Clarkson softened her look a bit, opting for a leopard-print dress, while the band replaced keytar with piano and added an acoustic guitar.

"You don't know a thing about me," Clarkson sang, perhaps addressing the same dude as in the previous song.

Sadly, Clarkson didn't perform with host Charles Barkley, another big personality not afraid to speak his mind. They could have done a song about rebounding -- something Sir Charles once excelled at and Kelly, romantically speaking, seems bent on avoiding.

Watch Kelly Clarkson Perform 'What Doesn't Kill You (Stronger)'

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Watch Kelly Clarkson Perform 'Mr. Know It All'

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Watch AOL Music's Interview With Kelly Clarkson

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Filed under: Hot Off the Press

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muzikween

I like Kelly and think she has great chops. I don't care for the constant selection of "pop" music, I think she can do better and go deeper than all the commercial pop she puts out. I like "My December" album best actually which was panned by critics (go figure). What she wants to weight is her business, HOWEVER, if you are not going to lose weight, you should dress to HIDE your pear-shaped body and not accentuate it by wearing skin-tight outfits. She really needs help with her wardrobe. If she has a stylist, they need to be fired. If she doesn't have one, she could use one. When you have flabby arms, wearing sleeveless tops and dresses is NOT flattering. There are ways you can dress to hide your less than perfect body parts. I know, because I'm built the same way as Kelly. She should also understand that when you are in an industry that is so shallow and puts so much emphasis on looks, she should expect a certain amount of criticism. On the flip side, I've heard her say she eats a lot of junk food and fries and hamburgers and shakes. For health reasons, she should want to clean up her eating habits and work out. Being on the road takes a lot out of you physically and performers that have a regular workout regimen/trainer seem to fare much better on tour. As a Personal Trainer, IMHO, there's no excuse for someone as young as Kelly to be in such poor physical shape when she has the money, time and resources to get fit! Blessings Kelly. As a fellow Texan, I believe in you!

January 09 2012 at 2:19 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Sarah

Welcome to__s e e k i n g u n i f o r m.c o m_ It's the largest and best club for seeking people in uniform and the admirers of those who wear the uniform. You are not necessary to be a uniformed person. But come here, you can find friendship, love, romance, marriage or even more with those armed forces, police, navy, security, medical, ambulance, prison, air crew and fire fighters!

January 09 2012 at 1:06 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

sm14228

Its not so much the weight as what she's wearing. I think if she would dress in clothes that aren't so tight it wouldn't be a issue. I think she could use a professional wardrobe consultant.

January 08 2012 at 11:57 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

yemars14

Sounds pretty self indulgent to me... whine, whine, whine.

January 08 2012 at 11:41 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

dropdeaddivas

I think she's awesome and no matter what size she looks great...

January 08 2012 at 10:54 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

fireman69w

All you haters can thjnk and say what you want...obviously. But Kelly has tremendous amount of tallent as well as Heart. Most of us could take lessons on how to be real from her.

January 08 2012 at 10:37 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Anonymous

What I don't get is why weight has anything to do with singing. I understand if she had some type of dance number that she would incorporate into her performances; but, she does not. This woman has an incredible voice; and that, should be the subject under discussion. She did a fabulous job last night!

January 08 2012 at 10:08 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

RJD

Nice to see a real singer not needing to lip sync like so many others. She's without a doubt the BEST singer in music today. Nobody can come close to her in ability, range and style. She's the definition of the anti-diva who's genuine and doesn't put herself above others.
Those of you pathetic losers who seem infatuated with putting her down because of your own shortcomings and indecurities should look in the mirror and see what a real loser looks like.

January 08 2012 at 9:46 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

johnny.cashman

She looks like she ate Ann Wilson and Mama Cass.

January 08 2012 at 9:40 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

keeniisite

fail to see anything spectacular about this mousy little female with a big mouth

January 08 2012 at 9:34 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

1 reply to keeniisite's comment

InuLover-Leo#4*

Her voice is where the spectacular is buddy. :)

January 08 2012 at 9:49 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply