“The Voice” coach Kelly Clarkson had a full-circle return to one of the first big stadium shows she played after winning “American Idol” in 2002.
Clarkson returned to the Houston Rodeo for the first time in 22 years with a high-energy performance, even taking fans backstage on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes look. The posts captured everything from the pre-show buzz to the crowd’s electric reaction.
Kelly Clarkson Said She Was ‘Coming Back Like a Fine Wine’
The Instagram video clip began with Kelly Clarkson walking through a labyrinth of backstage tunnels to make her way to the stage. “The Voice” coach spoke directly to the camera, stating, “We are about to do Houston Rodeo, y’all. It’s been 22 years since I’ve been here.” Her 2002 hit song, “Since U Been Gone,” played in the background.
She continued, “I’m coming back like a fine wine.” Additionally, Clarkson was presented with a large engraved belt buckle that read, “Kelly Clarkson 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, NRG Stadium.”
The clip concluded with a series of live shots from the show and all the backstage fun behind it. Clarkson exited the show in a black SUV, with a message, “Thank you, Rodeo Houston.”
“The Voice” coach’s fans were quick to respond to the clip in its comments section.
“Kells, darlin’ not only did you come back as a fine wine; you conquered and commanded the attention of 70,000 people! There wasn’t any fights, everyone got along, and sang along! You single-handedly for 70 minutes brought world peace in Houston, TX. I enjoyed every minute of it! See ya in Vegas, and as always keep being unapologetically YOU! Love ya,” wrote one attendee.
A second fan penned, “You were amazing! My daughters sang their hearts out, and I loved every minute of your performance. Your new stuff is unreal.”
“Texas loves you, Kelly! You had us in the palm of your hand for the whole show. Thank you for an epic performance. Don’t wait so long to come home again,” noted a third Instagram user.
What is the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo?
According to its official website, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a “20-day tournament-style competition that crowns an event champion in bareback riding, bull riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, team roping, and women’s barrel racing and breakaway roping.”
“With a total payout of $2,533,500, each champion is awarded $65,000, plus previous round winnings, a custom-made saddle and belt buckle, and an invitation to compete at RODEOHOUSTON the following year.”
Each year, a multitude of musical artists perform at the end of each day’s competition. Along with Clarkson, other famous faces scheduled for this year include Chris Stapleton, Shaboozey, Pepe Aguilar, The Red Clay Strays, Lainey Wilson, Koe Wetzel, Parker McCollum, Tim McGraw, Cody Johnson, Riley Green, J Balvin, Rascal Flatts, Dwight Yoakam, Lizzo, and Luke Bryan.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo concludes on March 21. “The Voice” airs Mondays at 9 p.m. ET on NBC and the next day on Peacock.
