In the world of pop music, few vocalists possess the raw power and technical precision of Pink and Kelly Clarkson. However, even a powerhouse like Pink—known for her grueling live performances and acrobatic vocals—was left in awe after hearing Clarkson tackle one of her most difficult hits. The mutual admiration society between the two legends reached a new peak following Kelly Clarkson’s stunning performance of Pink’s 2017 anthem, “What About Us.” Pink didn’t hold back her praise after seeing the rendition, taking to social media to acknowledge that Clarkson’s performance felt like a “master class in vocal technique.”
A Vocal Revelation on the Small Screen Close friends of the stars revealed that Pink was particularly shocked by the way Kelly navigated the song’s complex vocal embellishments and soaring high notes. These are elements that Pink herself has admitted are challenging to maintain consistently during her high-energy live shows. The track, from the album Beautiful Trauma, requires a delicate balance of raspy, emotional chest voice and a powerful, resonant belt in the chorus. Pink showered Clarkson with praise, noting that Kelly didn’t just cover the song; she reimagined it with a level of control that left the original artist stunned.
A History of Powerhouse Collaboration This isn’t the first time these two icons have crossed paths. Their professional respect dates back years, notably peaking during their legendary opening performance at the 2017 American Music Awards where they performed a poignant cover of R.E.M.’s “Everybody Hurts.” More recently, in early 2023, Pink appeared as a guest on The Kelly Clarkson Show for a “Songs & Stories” segment. Together, they performed acoustic duets of several hits, including “Who Knew” and “Please Don’t Leave Me.” During the appearance, Pink praised Clarkson’s ability to “harmonize with anyone,” calling her one of the best singers alive.
The Difficulty of the Modern Anthem Written by Pink, Johnny McDaid, and producer Steve Mac, “What About Us” is more than just a dance-pop track; it is a political and social anthem. For any singer, the difficulty lies in the insistent nature of the chorus and the sustained notes in the bridge which are notorious for causing vocal fatigue. When Clarkson performed the song, her ability to add soulful riffs—moving rapidly between notes with perfect pitch—is what reportedly left Pink feeling like she had just witnessed a master at work.
High Praise from a Peer In an industry often fueled by rivalry, the genuine bond between Pink and Kelly Clarkson remains a breath of fresh air. Pink’s admission that Kelly might have handled the song “even better” than the original is a testament to the humility of a true artist. As Pink herself put it, when it comes to Kelly Clarkson, you’re not just listening to a singer—you’re listening to a “vocal beast.” Their continued support for one another serves as a reminder that the most powerful voices are often the ones used to lift others up.