Kelly Clarkson Won American Idol, Hosts Her Own Talk Show And Toured Around The World, But Only One Audience Left Her ‘Terrified’

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Kelly Clarkson has achieved incredible success in her career. From winning the first season of American Idol to acting in films, embarking on global tours, becoming a mother, offering commentary for the Olympics, and hosting an Emmy-winning talk show, she’s done it all. While comfortable performing for massive crowds with her powerful voice, Clarkson admitted she felt truly terrified facing just one audience: her child’s classroom.

Kelly Clarkson is no stranger to being watched, but she recently shared that it feels particularly intense when the attention comes from children – especially those who go to school with her own kids. She told Kenan Thompson, the comedian from Saturday Night Live (who also recently wrote a children’s book), about a difficult experience she had while appearing on The Kelly Clarkson Show.

I’ve performed in front of huge crowds and even for the Pope, but nothing scared me more than reading aloud to my child’s class. I was absolutely terrified – it felt like the most nerve-wracking experience of my life.

I did leave Kelly Clarkson’s performance for the Pope off the previous list, but it illustrates how much anxiety she experienced even reading a book to a class. She likely would have felt more comfortable performing a song instead.

Kenan Thompson pointed out that reading to children can be surprisingly scary. They’re completely honest and aren’t shy about sharing exactly what they think, even if it’s a harsh truth!

Thankfully, Kelly Clarkson and Kenan Thompson didn’t seem to have any negative experiences with the students. I can see why Clarkson might have been anxious, though, as she explained:

You don’t want your child to lose respect for you, to think you’re foolish. I was just really anxious, and that’s what I was feeling at the time.

Kelly Clarkson has two children, River, age 11, and Remington, age 9, with her former husband. Sadly, her ex, Brandon Blackstock, passed away in August after privately fighting cancer. Those close to Clarkson say she’s always put her children first, but is making an extra effort to be there for them now.

I wonder if that means more trips to the classroom might be in order!

Fans will soon be able to see more of Kelly Clarkson, even if they don’t follow her children’s school! She’s returning to The Voice for Season 29, which premieres next month. This season, called “Battle of Champions,” will also feature returning coaches Adam Levine and John Legend.

Don’t miss the premiere on NBC this Monday, February 23rd, at 9 p.m. Eastern Time! If you can’t catch it live, it will be available to stream the next day on Peacock. And you can always watch Kelly Clarkson on her talk show every weekday – check your local TV listings for times and channels.

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2026-01-16 00:08