Kelly Clarkson’s Smokin’ Return to The Voice: Performance, Style, and Why It Matters
Kelly Clarkson stepped back onto The Voice stage on May 20, 2025, for the Season 27 finale, and let’s just say she didn’t hold back. She performed her new single, “Where Have You Been,” in a glittery, green-and-gold jumpsuit that had fans and headlines buzzing. Parade called it a “busty display” and “smokin’ hot,” while X posts gushed about her voice hitting every emotional note. It’s been four seasons since she last coached on the show, and her return as a performer was a big moment—both for her career and for fans who’ve been craving her presence. Let’s break down what happened, why it’s a big deal, how she pulled it off, and what this says about where Kelly’s at in 2025.
The Comeback: What Went Down
The Voice Season 27 finale aired on NBC on May 20, 2025, at 9 p.m., crowning a new champion from five finalists. But the real talk of the night was the lineup of guest performers, and Kelly stole the show. She wasn’t coaching—she left that role after Season 23 to focus on her talk show and music—but she came back to sing her latest single, “Where Have You Been,” released on May 2. The song’s music video dropped the same day as the finale, and fans were hyped. Good Housekeeping reported fans on X going wild, with one user, @SoUWanaBaSinger, calling her voice “perfection” and praising her for “tapping into deep emotion” with a “high note explosion.” Another, @tradejas, loved her new, lighter makeup look, saying it was a “nice change.”
Kelly wasn’t alone in the spotlight. Other former coaches like Blake Shelton, Alicia Keys with Amanda Reid, and Chance the Rapper performed too, alongside acts like Foreigner, James Bay with Sheryl Crow, Joe Jonas, and Season 22 winner Bryce Leatherwood. But Kelly’s performance stood out, not just for her vocals but for her bold style. Parade described her jumpsuit as “dripping in glamour,” with billowing arms and a retro vibe that screamed 1970s Cher. The outfit, styled by Micaela Erlanger and her team, paired with impeccable hair by Robert Ramos and smoky makeup by Gloria Elias-Foeillet, made her a visual standout. Her team posted about the look on X back in December 2024 for a previous Voice appearance, showing she’s been working with this glam squad for a while to nail her aesthetic.
Why This Performance Matters
Kelly’s return to The Voice isn’t just about a one-night gig. It’s a signal of where her career’s at. She’s juggling a lot: The Kelly Clarkson Show, now in its seventh season, just hit its 1000th episode on March 20, 2025, with a Whitney Houston cover that fans called “pure magic.” She’s also a mom to River, 10, and Remington, 8, and has been open about prioritizing them over touring. Add to that her new music, like “Where Have You Been,” inspired by Only Murders in the Building characters, and a planned Las Vegas residency, and you’ve got an artist who’s balancing multiple lanes without missing a beat.
Her Voice appearance matters because it reminds everyone why she’s a star. She’s not just the original American Idol winner; she’s a vocal powerhouse who can make any song her own. Her “Kellyoke” segment on her talk show—where she covers everything from Whitney to Metallica—has kept her singing skills sharp, and fans love it. The Webby Award her show won in April 2025 for the Kellyoke Sound Check series proves it’s a cultural hit. Her Voice performance was a chance to bring that energy to a bigger stage, and she delivered. Fans on X were clear: her voice “scratches all my itches,” as one put it, with control, emotion, and those signature high notes.
It also matters because The Voice is part of her legacy. She coached for nine seasons, winning four times, and her chemistry with Blake Shelton and the other coaches made her a fan favorite. Her return wasn’t just nostalgic; it was a flex, showing she can step away, focus on other projects, and still come back to own the stage. But it wasn’t without risks—let’s talk about that.
How She Pulled It Off
Performing on The Voice isn’t just about showing up and singing. It’s a high-pressure gig. You’ve got a live audience, millions watching at home, and a tight schedule. Kelly’s been doing this for over two decades, so she knows the drill. Her prep likely started weeks in advance, coordinating with her glam team, rehearsing the song, and working with The Voice’s production crew to nail the staging. Her jumpsuit, described as green-and-gold with sequins and dramatic sleeves, was a deliberate choice to match the song’s vibe—glamorous, bold, a little retro. The music video for “Where Have You Been” leaned into the same aesthetic, with Parade noting its “Cher-worthy” style.
Her vocal performance was the real star. “Where Have You Been” is a personal track, with fans calling it a “love letter to herself” on X. Kelly’s strength is her ability to convey raw emotion, and she leaned into that, hitting high notes that left fans floored. She’s been open about her process on The Kelly Clarkson Show, where she records Kellyoke covers live in one take to keep it authentic. That same raw energy came through on The Voice.
Her team played a big role. Stylists Micaela Erlanger and Christina Ehrlich picked an outfit that balanced glamour with comfort—important for a high-energy performance. Her makeup and hair team went for a smoky, dramatic look that didn’t overpower her natural vibe. And her vocal coach, likely involved behind the scenes, ensured she could hit those big notes without strain. It’s a machine, but Kelly makes it look effortless.
Common Mistakes and How Kelly Avoided Them
Live TV performances are a minefield. One wrong move, and you’re trending for the wrong reasons. Common mistakes? Lip-syncing disasters, wardrobe malfunctions, or forgetting lyrics. Kelly’s been in the game long enough to dodge these. She sings live—always has—and her Voice performance was no exception. Her jumpsuit, while flashy, was tailored to move with her, avoiding the risk of a slip or tear. And she knows her songs cold; no teleprompter needed.
Another mistake artists make is misjudging the audience. The Voice fans are there for music, not drama, and Kelly gave them what they wanted: a heartfelt performance with no gimmicks. She didn’t try to overshadow the finalists or make it about her—she just sang her heart out. Compare that to, say, a controversial figure like Kanye West, whose recent antics got a South Korea concert canceled. Kelly knows how to read the room.
What Happens If You Don’t Get It Right
Screw up a Voice performance, and the fallout is real. Social media—especially X—will tear you apart. A bad outfit choice can spark memes for weeks. A vocal flub can tank your credibility. Kelly’s been lucky; her Voice appearances have always been well-received. But look at other artists who’ve flubbed live TV: a missed note or a wardrobe issue can dominate headlines, overshadowing the music. For Kelly, a misstep could’ve hurt her new single’s momentum or fueled rumors about her talk show’s future, which have been swirling since her April 2025 hiatus.
Promoters and producers also face risks. The Voice books big names to boost ratings, but a lackluster performance can make the finale feel flat. NBC knew Kelly was a safe bet—her track record proves it. Her December 2024 Voice appearance, where she rocked another bold look, got similar praise on X. Booking her was a smart move, but it took planning to ensure everything went smoothly.
Why Kelly’s Return Resonates
Kelly’s Voice comeback isn’t just about one night. It’s about her staying power. At 42, she’s balancing a talk show that’s won multiple Webby Awards, a music career with new singles and a Vegas residency on the horizon, and motherhood to two kids. She’s been open about not touring to focus on her family, telling People magazine on May 6, 2025, that her kids’ schedules are “busier than mine.” Yet she still finds time to drop a single, film a killer music video, and show up on The Voice looking and sounding like a superstar.
Fans connect with her because she’s real. She’s been through a messy divorce from Brandon Blackstock, which she’s referenced in interviews and even subtly on a March 2025
