Top 20 Kelly Clarkson Kellyoke Songs

#20: ABCDEFU by Gayle

This Grammy-nominated song is a cathartic break-up anthem that ruled social media and the charts alike. Gayles pointed lyrics, raspy voice, and subtly breathy delivery went viral. However, when Kelly covered it on Kellyoke, it took on a different dimension. Her version is more mature, and her clear vocals add a deliberate power to the track. As the chorus hits, she takes the song to a jaw-dropping crescendo, and she does it all effortlessly. Fans have surmised that the songbird changed some lyrics to throw shade at her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock. Whether thats true or not, Kellys performance was deeply passionate.

#19: Survivor by Destiny's Child

Ever since this song came out in the aughts, it has had a chokehold on pop culture. Destinys Child proudly sings of empowerment, and we feel it in our bones. Clarkson takes the legendary song and gives it a rock edge. Backed by two amazing supporting vocalists, she lets her soaring voice take center stage. Her expressions are on point, she looks as confident as an empress in her white dress, and she embodies the lyrics with genuine conviction. The cherry on the cake is her explosive ad-libbing. You wont be able to stop replaying this.

#18: My Love Mine All Mine by Mitski

No sad girl playlist is complete without this melancholic bop. Mitski has won hearts worldwide with her unique sonic identity. Her haunting vocals in My Love Mine All Mine have made us cry on many a sleepless night. Not everyone can do justice to its tenderness unless youre Kelly Clarkson, that is. When she covered the viral hit on Kellyoke, she didnt try to replicate the original. Instead, she made it her own. In place of Mitskis languid restraint was Kellys ache-filled warmth and raw emotion. The masterstroke was singing the chorus at a higher pitch, almost as if it were now a power ballad. This cover has officially moved into our brains rent-free and we have no plans of evicting it.

#17: I Wanna Get Better by Bleachers

Its an anthem of unflinching hope, and it went platinum in the U.S. when it was released. Bleachers frontman Jack Antonoff wrote the lyrics from his own experience with mental health issues, and it resonated with listeners all over the world. The high-octane alt-rock energy of the track adds to its appeal. However, Kelly Clarkson transformed it into a triumphant power pop celebration of grand proportions. She served main character energy in the best way, and it swept us off our feet. If the Bleachers version is what you listen to when you, well, wanna get better, the Kellyoke version is what you can jam out to when youve made it through the dark.

#16: Bad Romance by Lady Gaga

One of Mother Monsters signature dance pop songs became a rock and roll masterpiece on Kellyoke. The Voice coach unleashed a powerful husky vocal tone as she belted like nobodys business. The vibe was immaculate, the audience was hyped, and Kelly was in her zone. Her riffs and runs were not only flawless which, they always are but also took the song to a whole new level, giving us goosebumps. The only thing wrong with this cover was how criminally short it was. Still, anyone who got to witness this performance live is unbelievably lucky, to say the least.

#15: Falling by Harry Styles

The One Direction star brought fans to their knees with this beautifully tragic song. From the lyrics to the weeping piano, and of course, Styles tormented vocals, Falling struck a chord with listeners. For Kellyoke, our resident songbird started off delicately, with a soft vibrato on the most heartbreaking words. Theres a resignation in her voice that tugs at our heartstrings until she rings the chorus in with a liberating belt. The high note she then blesses our ears with is divine enough to touch the soul. Contrary to the gentle beginning of the cover, Kelly closes out with a rock flourish, flooring us.

#14: Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes

As one of the most recognizable rock records of the 2000s, this song has been covered by countless artists. Ranking each version would require a list of its own. However, one thing is for certain: when it comes to impact, Kelly Clarkson is second to none. The American Song Contest hostess brought the University of Southern California Trojan Marching Band on stage for her Kellyoke cover of Seven Nation Army. Boasting lush vocals, textured with falsettos and belts, she commands the stage like a queen. This is Kelly in her element, and we cant help but bow to her greatness.

#13: Dream On by Aerosmith

It is fascinating that a song over half a century old can still unite music lovers of all ages in a roaring sing-along. In Dream On, Aerosmith laments the inevitable passage of time, and yet, it is one of the most timeless pieces of music in history. Kelly covers it with neither the grit nor the theatricality of Steven Tyler. She gives it her own touch. The first verse, in her rendition, is sung with understated sensuousness. However, the smolder grows steadily until the songstress launches into some of the most glass-shattering high notes for the final bridge. What is even more impressive is how low she goes for the last note, showcasing her formidable vocal range.

#12: The Middle by Jimmy Eat World

This emo pop gem has soothed many weary hearts on gloomy days. So, naturally, theres undeniable nostalgia associated with it now. Kellbelle picked it up for Kellyoke and somehow made it even more emotional than it already was. Her band, Y'all, is extraordinary in this track, with a stellar guitar solo that will have you strumming imaginary strings in the air. Fun fact: Kelly is actually a Jimmy Eat World fan! The band even has a songwriting credit for her record Heartbeat Song, whose chords sound a lot like The Middle. Critics initially suspected the similarity might be a plagiarism issue, but she denied the allegation. Either way, both songs are fan favorites.

#11: Fake Plastic Trees by Radiohead

Few songs can pierce a thousand holes into our hearts like this one. Radioheads iconic song, Fake Plastic Trees, is famous for its wistful tone and pained vocals. However, Kellyoke wouldnt be the wondrous feat it is if the woman of the hour didnt put her own spin on the original. She takes the pop route for her cover, opting for a more full-bodied, resolute delivery than Thom Yorkes. Theres courage and strength in her falsettos, not fragility. Ever the powerhouse vocalist, she belts out the final verse before signing off with the forlorn chorus. This version is vastly different from the classic rock hymn, but its hers, and fans loved it so much that she released a studio version for her Kellyoke EP.

#10: "She Used to Be Mine" by Sara Bareilles

Fans of the Waitress musical know just how heart-wrenching She Used to Be Mine is. But even if youre not familiar with it, it doesnt take long for its deep power to become evident. Clarkson channels all the meaning it holds in her cover, bringing the story of a woman whos lost herself to life with steady yet emotional vocals. Were gripped from the second she starts singing, and she just keeps taking our breath away as the ballad goes on. Of course, the set and dancers further add to that. By the end, we realize we werent just given a performance we were given a touching experience.

#9: "The One That Got Away" by Katy Perry

The acoustic version of Katy Perrys The One That Got Away is one of her most compelling releases. And in Clarksons hands, the ballad is even more captivating. The singer takes her time, letting us really soak up the significance of the lyrics as she immerses herself into the number. Even if you dont have someone you think of as a lost love, her rendition will make you feel like you do. Thats just how impactful it is. Its not the only amazing Katy Perry cover Clarkson has cooked up. But it has to be our favorite, and were never letting it get away.

#8: "Set Fire to the Rain" by Adele

Remember that "Rolling in the Deep" Kellyoke? Its amazing, to put it mildly. We never expected Clarkson to outdo herself with another Adele cover. But shes done just that with a magnetic take on Set Fire to the Rain. The singer embraces the immensity of the power pop ballad in spectacular fashion, never once letting its production outshine her. Lets not forget that this is an intense track to tackle, and not just from a technical standpoint. After all, it contains a lot of raw emotion. But if theres one thing Clarkson isnt going to shy away from, its precisely that! To say she has us mesmerized would be an understatement.

#7: "7 Rings" by Ariana Grande

Sometimes, a cover comes around that stops you dead in your tracks and leaves you speechless. Thats what happened here. This performance has everything you could ask for, from stunning vocals to the perfect amount of attitude. Ariana Grandes 7 Rings is complex and incredibly fast-paced in places. Hitting every note, lyric and beat isnt something anybody can do. Of course, Kelly Clarkson isnt just anybody shes a star who knocks the number out of the park. Shes rap-singing in one instance, and belting the next! Were out of breath watching her, but it doesnt seem like shes breaking a sweat. To say were impressed would be an understatement.

#6: "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" by Aretha Franklin

If youve been following Clarkson since her American Idol days, you probably remember the time she performed Aretha Franklins "Natural Woman." She absolutely killed it, so we were pleasantly surprised to see her sing the tune once more on The Kelly Clarkson Show. And, well, this cover is giving the older one a serious run for its money! The singers voice and overall style has obviously matured in the years since her time on the competition series. That maturity adds something incredibly special to this rendition, infusing it with a rich energy and passion. Theres no need for bells or whistles Clarksons precise, striking vocals are more than enough.

#5: "9 to 5" by Dolly Parton

Lets go back to the beginning and revisit the very first Kellyoke Clarkson treated us to! Part pre-taped segment and part live rendition, this version of Dolly Partons 9 to 5 is one for the books. Shes selling every word, and has us in the palm of her hand. She honestly couldve stopped there, but then she wouldnt be Kelly Clarkson! A few years later, she got Parton herself to join her in singing the country pop hit! Their duet is more fun and fabulous than we couldve dreamed, with their iconic sounds working incredibly well together. Theres just something about Clarkson singing Dolly Parton songs that always makes us happy.

#4: "Strong Enough" by Cher

Is there any music icon whose discography Kelly Clarkson cant slay? Were pretty sure the answer is no. Wed be remiss not to mention her fierce version of If I Could Turn Back Time, which always knocks our socks off. But if were talking about Clarksons best Cher cover, we have to go with Strong Enough. Its as strong as can be pun very much intended. She embodies the disco classic, starting off with a slow and affecting delivery, before ramping things up and going all in on the passion. Its impossible not to lose yourself in the spirited showing. We dont think wed be strong enough to live in a world where this Kellyoke doesnt exist!

#3: Sisters by Rosemary Clooney & Trudy Stevens

Kelly Clarkson is very skilled at bringing numbers from movie musicals to life. Who could forget her take on "Hopelessly Devoted to You"? As outstanding as that was, its edged out by her cover of Sisters, a tune most people recognize from "White Christmas." She joined forces with Jessi Collins the vocal director and a member of the house band on the talk show for the duet. Magnificent doesnt even begin to describe what they accomplish. Everything from the harmonizing, to the storytelling, to the way their voices practically become one has us awe-struck. And dont even get us started on their outfits, which look like theyre straight out of the 1954 film! The Kellyoke transports us to a grand winter wonderland, and were obsessed.

#2: "Alone" by Heart [Originally Released by i-Ten]

Alone is a remarkable ballad thats been recorded by several groups and artists, including Heart. Its this bands version that Clarkson seems to be covering, and there arent enough words to describe the sublime job she does. She sings each lyric with so much feeling that we cant help but want to belt our hearts out alongside her! Not just that, she puts her vocal chops on full display, showing everyone how supremely talented she is (not that there was any doubt)! Plus, she keeps the audience and those of us watching at home totally engaged. Perhaps most importantly, she captures the essence of what makes Hearts version magic while still making the tune her own. Thats the mark of a first-rate cover and artist.

#1: "Happier Than Ever" by Billie Eilish

This Kellyoke set the bar for all those that would come after, and well never tire of it. Clarkson draws us in with her slow, evocative delivery at the beginning. We then proceed to get chills all over as she adds in the drama and anger the lyrics demand, commanding our attention the whole way through. By the time she hits that final note, were completely spellbound. The whole thing is hauntingly beautiful, and more than does the Billie Eilish track justice. Our only complaint is that it isnt long enough. Thankfully, Clarkson fixed that problem when she gave us a full studio version of the tune on her Kellyoke EP. Excuse us while we go listen to both covers on a loop forever!

Which song do you want Kelly Clarkson to cover next? Tell us in the comments!