During a deeply moving performance on the TODAY plaza, global superstar Kelly Clarkson paused her Citi Concert Series set to embrace a young fan and share a message of hope that brought the crowd to tears. The fan, 10-year-old Camila from Paterson, New Jersey, was diagnosed with brain cancer at just 18 months old and had sent a heartfelt note through Hoda Kotb expressing how Clarkson’s song “Stronger” had helped her get through her cancer.
Recognizing Camila in the front row on September 22, Clarkson stopped the show and stepped down to give her a warm hug. She noticed Camila holding a Moxy doll from the 2019 film UglyDolls, which Clarkson had voiced, and praised her for connecting with the character.
Camila opened up about her struggles with self-acceptance, isolation, and feeling different because of her appearance. Clarkson comforted her, sharing her own experiences of feeling out of place as a child and reassuring her, “You’re definitely not alone.” Pointing to her own career, Clarkson added, “And look at me now,” drawing cheers from the plaza audience.
The heartfelt encounter ended with Clarkson complimenting Camila’s earrings and Kotb joining in to tell her, “We love you.” The moment, during September’s Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, highlighted the importance of visibility, support, and hope for young patients. Nearly 16,000 people under age 20 are diagnosed with cancer in the U.S. each year, making moments like this all the more meaningful.