Kelly Clarkson Kicks Off Her Las Vegas Residency After Vocal Recovery

 

Kelly Clarkson made headlines earlier this month when she was forced to cancel the opening night of her Studio Sessions Las Vegas residency just 90 minutes before showtime on July 4th. The reason? Vocal strain from long hours of rehearsal and preparation. Clarkson took to social media to share the difficult news with fans:

“The prep and rehearsals have taken a toll on my voice. I want the shows to be perfect for y’all and I need to protect myself from doing serious damage, so I am taking this weekend and next week to rest up so that we can deliver what you all deserve.”

She emphasized that her team, including her band and backing vocalists, had put together something truly special and that she wanted to ensure fans got the best experience possible.

Clarkson Returns To The Stage, Apologizes To Fans

 

Exactly one week later, on July 11th, Clarkson returned to the stage, fully rested and ready to officially launch her residency. During her performance, she addressed the unexpected delay and apologized to fans who had tickets to the canceled shows:

“It took us a minute. I’m so sorry. I know some of y’all had tickets for last weekend’s shows. We can’t help our bodies sometimes. You know we get sick, and that happens.”

The crowd welcomed her with warmth and understanding, and it was clear that Clarkson was grateful to be back where she belongs — on stage.

 

A Powerful Tribute To Dolly Parton: “I Will Always Love You”

During the show, Clarkson delivered one of the standout performances of the evening with a stunning cover of Dolly Parton’s timeless ballad, “I Will Always Love You.”

The song, originally released by Dolly Parton in 1974, has become one of the most recognizable and beloved tracks in country music history, topping the Billboard country charts twice — first in 1974, and again in 1982. Over the years, the song has been covered by countless artists, including the iconic version by Whitney Houston, and was honored by BMI for over 10 million broadcast performances.

For Clarkson, who is well-known for her “Kellyoke” segments on her daytime talk show The Kelly Clarkson Show, paying tribute to legendary artists through cover performances is nothing new. However, this particular performance felt especially meaningful following her vocal rest and recent health struggles. It served as a reminder of Clarkson’s incredible vocal talent and emotional depth as a performer.

Studio Sessions: A Unique Residency Experience

Clarkson has called Studio Sessions her favorite show concept she’s ever created. The residency was designed to bring fans closer to the studio experience, blending live music with the kind of intimate, stripped-back atmosphere found in a recording session.

The show highlights Clarkson’s versatility and deep appreciation for music across all genres — something that continues to resonate with her dedicated fanbase.

Watch Kelly Clarkson’s Beautiful Rendition Of “I Will Always Love You” From Her Las Vegas Residency Below: