Still not over Kelly Clarkson‘s powerful performance of “Piece by Piece” on American Idol from 2015? You’re not alone. Over the past week, clips from Clarkson’s live rendition of her 2015 hit have resurfaced on social media, and her vocals and message are just as moving today as they were nine years ago.
At the time, the then-pregnant Grammy winner delivered a deeply moving performance that touched the hearts of everyone present. Audience members were moved to tears, and even judge Keith Urban couldn’t hold back his emotions. The “Since U Been Gone” hitmaker herself got choked up and broke down during the performance.
Yet, with incredible strength, she persevered and completed the song, showcasing her powerful vocal range. Her heartfelt delivery highlighted the emotional lyrics about self-love, self-care, choosing loving partners, and overcoming the absence of a parent.
Revisiting Kelly Clarkson’s Powerful 2015 Performance Of ‘Piece by Piece’
Around the three-minute mark of the performance, as documented by NBC News, there is a noticeable emotional response from Urban, who sheds a tear. Concurrently, the Kelly Clarkson Show host’s voice exhibits a break. The “Breakaway” singer subsequently attributes part of her emotional reaction to the influence of pregnancy hormones.
In the video’s comments section on YouTube, viewers frequently articulate their emotional response to the live performance, indicating they revisit the clip due to its profound impact on them. “I was at this performance and there was not a dry eye in the building. This performance had every one of us crying and even all these years later, it still brings tears to my eyes,” one fan wrote.
Another added: "This song is the most raw, honest song I have ever heard. She put it all out there for us, which most artists don't....PRICELESS."
Clarkson released "Piece by Piece" that same year, along with her seventh studio album of the same name. In recent performances, Clarkson has adapted the song's lyrics to better align with her present circumstances, particularly following her 2022 divorce from Brandon Blackstock. This modification reflects her evolving personal narrative.
Last year, Entertainment Weekly pointed out that the original American Idol winner switched out "he" for "I" in certain parts of the song. "He never walks away / He never asks for money / He takes care of me / He loves me," Clarkson (who shares daughter River, 10, and son Remington, 8, with Blackstock) sang in the original version. In more recent times, Clarkson sings: "I just walk away / when they ask for money / I take care of me / 'cause I love me."
The album Piece by Piece, released in February 2015, touched many hearts and reached number-one on the Billboard 200 chart. The title track, the third single, resonated deeply with listeners, reaching number-eight on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. To this day, this live rendition from Clarkson still does the same!
