On Tuesday’s episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show, Kelly Clarkson reminded fans why Kellyoke has become a masterclass in vocal transformation. Taking on Selena Gomez’s 2015 hit Hands to Myself, Clarkson didn’t just cover the song—she reimagined it entirely.
Gomez’s original thrives on restraint: whispered vocals, minimal instrumentation, and tension simmering beneath the surface. Clarkson began in a similar breathy style, honoring that delicate vibe. But gradually, backed by her house band, My Band Y’all, she built the arrangement into a full-bodied, rock-leaning anthem. By the final chorus, Clarkson unleashed a high-octave belt so precise and powerful that the studio reportedly went silent for a beat before erupting in applause.
The performance wasn’t flashy—it was deliberate. While Gomez’s version emphasizes suggestion, Clarkson emphasized release, revealing an entirely new emotional dimension in the song.
The timing added extra resonance: just one day prior, Clarkson announced that The Kelly Clarkson Show would end in fall 2026. After seven Emmy-winning seasons, she explained the choice as prioritizing family and stepping back from the daily grind following the passing of her former husband, Brandon Blackstock, in 2025.
In that context, her Hands to Myself performance wasn’t just a cover—it was a declaration of what Clarkson does best: taking a song and uncovering what it could truly be. Synth-pop transformed into stadium-ready rock, yet the emotional core remained intact.
As the show approaches its final year, moments like this remind viewers what will be missed most: not the desk, not the set—but the daily evidence that with the right voice, even the quietest song can become thunderous.