Who doesn’t have a fond memory tied to at least one of Kelly Clarkson’s songs? As children, my sister and I enjoyed many nights queuing up our karaoke machine. And, of course, my go-to banger to belt was none other than Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone.”
Though I had not yet experienced a single breakup, something about the pop rock power ballad just tickled the deepest part of my 6-year-old soul. So, I’m sure you can imagine the sense of jubilation that came with the announcement of the singer’s limited-run engagement at the Bakkt Theater inside Planet Hollywood that began earlier this year. With just four dates left, chemistry…an intimate night with Kelly Clarkson needs to be a high priority in your New Year’s Weekend plans. Just be prepared to lose your voice, because there’s no way you’ll be able to resist singing every last tune.
Photo by: Weiss Eubanks
With her 10th studio album, Chemistry, released earlier this year and her sensational daytime talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, soaring, the original American Idol winner remains unstoppable. And when the stage lights hit, she doesn’t let up.
You’ll have the opportunity to scream every last one of your favorite hits, from “Behind These Hazel Eyes” to “Stronger” and “Because Of You.” The star even works in a little “Kellyoke,” a favorite bit from her talk show where she covers songs by various artists. The songs Clarkson treats her audience to may change night to night, but during a show earlier this year, she treated fans to a rendition of Harry Styles’ “As It Was.”
Making the Vegas shows exceptionally stupendous, the three-time Grammy winner uses her charming personality to engage with her audience in ways that a concert can uniquely afford an artist. Not only does Clarkson roam the venue as she vocalizes, but she also utilizes brief lulls in her setlist to chat with the audience, sharing stories of her children and quipping with the crowd.
The superstar’s sense of humor allows her to connect with fans in a very personable way. When she engages, her sense of humor makes apparent her humble nature and allows fans in even the farthest seats from the stage feel like they’re talking with a friend.
It’s obvious that Clarkson has chosen the right venue for herself as well. The Bakkt Theater is the perfect size; large enough to fit many fans, yet small enough to make sure no audience seat is too far from the stage. The sound is crisp, and the stage design is dynamic.
Also, make sure you head to the bar to grab a drink. Not only does a refreshing libation make any concert just a touch more fun, but at Bakkt Theater they serve drinks in reusable cups that you get to keep! All in one, you get a memento to remember your night while also participating in a more sustainable practice.
Planet Hollywood, 8 p.m. Dec. 30-31, starting at $79 plus tax and fee. ticketmaster.com
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