Kelly Clarkson Shades Ex-Husband By Changing Lyrics In ‘abcdefu’ Cover
Kelly Clarkson turned her broken heart into art with a new Kellyoke performance yesterday (March 30). The American Idol alum didn’t hold back during a cover of “abcdefu” by GAYLE….
Kelly Clarkson turned her broken heart into art with a new Kellyoke performance yesterday (March 30). The American Idol alum didn't hold back during a cover of "abcdefu" by GAYLE. Clarkson, 40, changed some of the breakup anthem's lyrics to shade her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock, whom she divorced in 2020. The former couple share daughter River Rose, 8, and son Remington Alexander, 6.
During Thursday's performance, Kelly's version turned into: "Forget you and your dad. And the fact that you got half. And my broken heart turned that s---- into art. Forget you and your friends, that I'll never see again. Everybody but your dog, you can all get lost."
RELATED: Kelly Clarkson Says Divorce Wasn’t An ‘Overnight Decision’
GAYLE's original lyrics were: "F--- you and your mom, and your sister and your job. And your broke-a-- car, and that s--- you call art." The Voice coach didn't have to explain the references she made, as her version pointed to several aspects of her divorce. Per E! News, Clarkson was sued in 2020 by her former father-in-law Narvel Blackstock's management company for unpaid commissions.
The "fact that you got half" line refers to the divorce settlement with Brandon, to who she agreed to give a as well as a monthly child and spousal support payment. Clarkson's upcoming album Chemistry, which she recently described as "the arc of an entire relationship" is her turning her "broken heart into art."
In addition to a new album, Clarkson also revealed that she’s headed to Las Vegas for a 10-show residency starting July 28. The dates are: July: 28 and 29 and August 2, 4, 5, 9, 11, 12, 18 and 19. Tickets go on sale March 31.
Kelly Clarkson’s Best ‘Kellyoke’ Performances of 2023 (So Far)
Kelly Clarkson keeps cranking out amazing covers in her Kellyoke series. The singer and talk show host never fails to entertain with her genre-spanning covers. From Destiny's Child to Lenny Kravitz to Chris Stapleton, you don't know what song she will put her own spin on next.
Clarkson previously released an album of six of her covers from 2022 after "singing over 500" on The Kelly Clarkson Show, which she said was "near-impossible" to choose. The Kellyoke album was released in June of 2022 and features the following songs:
Announcing her upcoming 10th studio album, Chemistry, the singer said she didn’t want “everybody” to think that her emotions could just be simplified as angry or sad. She explained in a video, “This album is definitely the arc of an entire relationship, and a whole relationship shouldn’t be just brought down to one thing. So there’s the good, the bad, the ugly thing kinda going on in it.”
In addition to new music, Clarkson will also be heading to Las Vegas, singing fan favorites and new songs, for a 10-show residency starting July 28.
See our favorite Kellyoke performances of 2023 so far below:
Better Man (Taylor's Version) ((Kelly's Version))
Kelly playfully made Taylor's version her own, as she notes in the caption.
'Do I Wanna Know?' - Arctic Monkeys
Kelly's rendition of "Do I Wanna Know?" is so powerful and we might like it even better than the original!
'Survivor' - Destiny's Child
Kelly kicked off Black History Month with this powerhouse cover of Destiny Child's 2001 hit song.
'Breath Again' - Joy Oladokun
Clarkson shows the softness of her voice in this beautiful ballad by emerging artist, Joy Oladokun.
'Strong Enough' - Cher
Though it is impossible to out-sing Cher, Clarkson's rendition of 1998's "Strong Enough" is fun and high energy.
'Finally' - CeCe Peniston
Clarkson gives CeCe Peniston a run for her money in this groovy dance cover.
'In the Meantime' -- Spacehog
Clarkson blew us away with her version of rock band Spacehog's 1994 song.
'It Ain’t Over ’til It’s Over' - Lenny Kravitz
Kelly lets us know it ain't over till it's over in this Lenny Kravitz cover of "It Ain’t Over ’til It’s Over."
'When I Think of You' - Janet Jackson
The talk show host covered one of our favorite Janet Jackson songs: "When I Think of You."
'Gotta Get Thru This' - Daniel Bedingfield
Starting off the song slow, Kelly ups the energy in this classic dance pop song, "Gotta Get Thru This."
'Free' - Florence + The Machine
Kelly kicked off Spring with another Florence + the Machine cover, belting out "Free."
'Pick Up Your Feelings' - Jazmine Sullivan
We are loving this soulful cover of Jazmine Sullivan's Grammy-award-winning song.
'Something Stupid' - Nancy & Frank Sinatra
Kelly and Shazam!'s Zachary Levi harmonized beautifully in this cover of 'Something Stupid' by Nancy and Frank Sinatra.
'Return of the Mack' - Mark Morrison
We love how effortless and natural Kelly sounds in her cover of Mark Morrison's "Return of the Mack."
'You Are a Tourist' - Death Cab for Cutie
Clarkson breathes new life into Death Cab for Cutie's "You Are a Tourist."
'Fade Into You' - Mazzy Star
Kelly has the vocal power to make this Mazzy Star cover both dreamy and calming, yet powerful and commanding.
'Where Is My Mind?' - The Pixies
Kelly gave the Pixies a run for their money when she covered "Where Is My Mind?" in February.
'Tennessee Whiskey' - Chris Stapleton
Clarkson evoked her inner Stapleton when she covered this smooth cover of "Tennessee Whiskey."
'Set Fire To The Rain' - Adele
Adele who? Clarkson blew her fellow powerhouse singer away in her rendition of this Adele classic.
Kelly & P!nk - 'What About Us'
These two powerhouse singers might be the most iconic pairing of all time! Kelly harmonizes beautifully with P!nk, allowing her to take the spotlight.
'Lady In Red' - Chris De Burgh
Her performance of Chris De Burgh's signature song from 1986 is simply beautiful.
