Kelly Clarkson Fans Praise the Singer as She Goes Make-Up Free in New Video

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It’s been 21(!) years since Kelly Clarkson burst onto the scene as the winner of the first season of American Idol. After tearily belting “A Moment Like This” on live TV as she accepted her number one spot, Clarkson went on to release an impressive nine albums and 53 singles (to date) and host a daily talk show. Behind the scenes, she got married to Brandon Blackstock, had two kids, then was ultra-honest about the challenges of her divorce.

That hasn’t been the only thing the celebrity has been #nofilter about. She’s been candid about her weight, body-shamers, toxic workplace claims … and now, is sharing more of her unfiltered self.

In honor of the release of the “Favorite Kind of High,” Clarkson hosted an Instagram live without a stitch of makeup. But to be fair, she did have a little filter action that added purple streaks to her hair and sparkles on an ombre pattern in the background:

Describing the catchy first single off her upcoming album, Chemistry, which is slated for release on June 23, Clarkson says in the video, “I was really excited about this one in particular because there are a lot of vibes on the record, emotionally, you know, stages of grief. This one is about the beginning, that part when you see someone and ‘whew!’ fantasy kicks in.”

A fan pipes up in the comments to put words to exactly what we were thinking after hearing Clarkson perform the tune live in LA. “‘My Favorite Kind Of High’ is the song of summer!!!”

The video continues with Clarkson fielding questions from fans around the world about this song—and so much more. In addition to revealing her radiant coverage-free skin, Clarkson opens up about her inspiration for some of the other tracks on the album, her feelings about Reba McEntire taking Blake Shelton’s spot as a judge on The Voice and replies to a comment that asked her not to leave the reality show.

“I’m so grateful, and that show enabled me to do my talk show,” Clarkson says, citing a cross-country move as the impetus for her not signing on for the fall 2023 season. This doesn’t mean that the door is closed forever at The Voice. “Never say never. I love them so much.”

And fans seem to love this peek into the real Clarkson: “Kelly is so naturally beautiful,” one says. Another adds, “Thank you for your brilliance and authenticity. What a beautiful light you are."

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