Hard to believe, but it’s been seven years since Kelly Clarkson walked away with the first ‘American Idol’ title. While she’s long since transcended the title and proved her mettle as a legitimate artist, she’s managed to retain that down-to-earth quality that endeared her to fans during her run on the show.
Thursday night in front of an enthusiastic crowd estimated at 5,600, Kelly also proved she can rock with the best of them!
Opening her Mohegan Sun Grandstand show with “All I Ever Wanted,” Kelly segued nicely into “Miss Independent” and followed that up with her current hit, “I Do Not Hook Up.” Strong start for a show that ran the gamut from hard rock to country to pop. She even tossed in a couple of acoustic numbers, proving that her vocal skills haven’t suffered a bit from the heavier rock numbers.
In between numbers, Kelly chatted with the crowd, at one point joking about her hair. Her connection with the audience was genuine and throughout the 90-minute show she appeared to be having just as much fun as the audience.
I was particularly impressed by Kelly’s interpretation of “Walkin’ After Midnight,” the Patsy Cline standard that she infused with a bluesy edge. She also did an acoustic version of “Behind These Hazel Eyes” and “Already Gone,” her new single. She noted that at some point, she’d like to do an acoustic tour, playing in small clubs and bars. “I can make that happen,” she said.
Kelly didn’t leave out some her classic hits – “Breakaway,” “Because of You,” and “Since U Been Gone.” She closed with a rousing rendition of “My Life Would Suck Without You,” which had the crowd jumpin’!
I have to say, Kelly’s bad is kickin! For this tour, she’s included a three-piece horn section and a DJ along with a strong drummer and a couple of skilled guitar players. Particularly impressive is Einar Pedersen, who brings the bass guitar to life and also contributes an enormous amount of energy to the stage.
My only complaint was the woman three rows in front of me who insisted on holding a 3′ x 2′ sign in the air every time Kelly hit our side of the stage making it impossible for anyone behind her to get a photo. Why a grown woman felt the need to do this is beyond me. But, while Kelly acknowledged several other signs in the crowd, she ignored this person, which compensated somewhat for the general annoyance of everyone unfortunate enough to be behind her.
I was @ this show in Syracuse, NY
I think honestly it has to be one of the best concerts I have been to. I loved the crowd interaction and the little corky conversations she had with the crowd. I had to say the hi-light of the show is when she called my younger sister out on her sign she made. It said I’m your twin! (she really does look like her soooo much!!!)She asked her who was on her shirt and had a 30 second conversation with her that made my sisters night. My sister was respectful with her sign and didnt hold it up all night! and the people around the area we were sitting were all awesome! On the floor (center stage 15th row) Over all just a wonderful experience and would goto 10 more Kelly Clarkson concerts! 5 out of 5 stars!
p.s …some girls in the same aisle as us even were taking my sisters picture with that sign, thats how much she looks like KC!