Kelly Clarkson is grateful to have a moment like this.
One week after abruptly canceling the first two shows of her Studio Sessions residency at Las Vegas’ Colosseum Theater at Caesars Palace, the American Idol alum offered an apology as she kicked off the show.
“It took me a minute. I’m so sorry,” the Kelly Clarkson Show host told the audience July 11 via a video shared on TikTok. “I know some of y’all had tickets for last weekend’s shows. I’m so sorry. We can’t help our bodies sometimes. You know, we get sick, and that happens.”
“But thank y’all for showing up,” she added. “We are so excited. This is my favorite residency, my favorite show I’ve ever put together, because I love being in the studio.”
The “Piece by Piece” singer added another layer of celebration mid-show, further expressing how upset she was to cancel the performances.
“I’m celebrating because I had to cancel last weekend,” Kelly, 43, said via Entertainment Weekly. “I cried. I was so sick. It sucked. I’m so happy to be here.”
Kelly—who shares kids River, 11, and Remington, 9, with ex-husband Brandon Blackstock—announcedhours before the start of her show July 4 that she would not be taking the stage, after suffering from a vocal strain.
“The prep and rehearsals have taken a toll on my voice,” she said in a July 4 statement on Instagram. “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. The show is truly incredible.”
“The musicians and singers are outstanding, and I want us all to start out strong,” she concluded. “I can’t wait to be back next weekend and show y’all what we’ve been working on.”
Ahead of taking the stage for her second go-round in Sin City, Kelly reflected on the intimate vibe she’s bringing to the 16-show run.
“I’m excited, this one is different,” the “Breakaway” singer said on the May 6 episode of Today with Jenna & Friends. “I hired more musicians and more singers to cover everything where there’s no backtrack. It’s all organic, it’s all live. We’re always live but there’s always things that you can’t quite compensate for when you’re in the studio.”
“I really wanted to make the experience as if you’re in the studio with us,” she continued. “So, you hear it like we do. It’s so special.”
For a closer look at Kelly’s life off the stage, keep reading…
A Moment Like This
Kelly Clarkson‘s kids River and Remy, whose dad is her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock, sweetly stole the show when they appeared on a December 2024 episode of her eponymous series.
Mother-Son Night Out
For the 2024 Grammys, the “Because Of You” brought her son Remy as her plus-one.
Fun Backstage
Kelly shared this pic of her kids backstage at her Las Vegas residency show in August 2023, just before they joined their mom onstage for surprise appearances.
Mom & Daughter Memories
The “Since U Been Gone” singer was joined by her daughter Remy at the 2022 People’s Choice Awards.
Star Sighting
River and Remy celebrated their mom receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in September 2022.
Family Movie Premiere
In 2019, Kelly and Brandon attended the premiere of her movie UglyDolls with Remy and River as well as with his kids Seth and Savannah from his previous marriage. The American Idol winner filed for divorce from the manager the following year and their union was formally dissolved in 2022.
Visiting Mom at Work
River and Remy sat alongside celebrity guest Jason Momoa on their mom’s talk show in 2019.
Lake Life
Kelly enjoyed some fun in the sun with Remy and River Rose in 2018.
Today Show Appearance
Kelly’s kids made the cutest cameo when they joined Hoda Kotb on a 2017 episode of Today.
Howdy, Partner
Who doesn’t love a day at Disneyland with mom?
In Charge
River and Remy were ready to help put out fires and solve crime in their costumes.
Road Trip
The kids buckled up for a family drive.
Disco Diva
River proved she already takes after her mom when it comes to performing, and Kelly couldn’t have been any more proud.
Flying High
“NYC y’all ain’t ready for Remy B……I’M SO EXCITED!!!!!!” Kelly captioned this adorable snap of her little man.
Make-Up Free
Kelly was all smiles as she took this selfie with her daughter.
Girls on Set
When making her music video in 2017, the Texas native brought her daughter along for some behind-the-scenes fun.
Hockey Fun
In May 2017, the fam took in a Nashville Predators hockey game and even rocked matching jerseys.
Smooches
Ugh, could this be any cuter of an Easter moment?
Remy’s Day
Remy’s first birthday in 2017 was a total blast and included a massive cake!
Happy Holiday
Kelly and River braved the Tennessee winter temps to be a part of the Nashville Christmas Parade in 2016. And seriously, they’re so stinking cute.
Play Time
While on a visit to Washington D.C., Kelly’s little ones got a ride on a blanket courtesy of their half-brother Seth.
Book Launch
To celebrate the launch of her children’s book, the mom of two shared this adorable snap of her and her daughter.
Three Generations
For Mother’s Day, the singer gave her mom a sweet shout-out and posted this adorable photo of three generations.
Famous Friends
Live from New York…it’s Kelly’s little one hanging out with SNL alum Jimmy Fallon.
Mamma’s Girl
In October 2014, the Grammy winner shared her first photo of daughter River Rose.
