If there’s a list or an application to be Kelly Clarkson’s best friend, sign us up. The first cousin of country music has once again demonstrated why she is so beloved by fans, friends, and family during an appearance at the Indy 500.
As Kelly made her way up the red carpet to where she would perform the national anthem, the rug got the best of her and she had a wobble. In her own hilarious way, the elite entertainer gracefully recovered her step, faced the crowd and gave a salute, a la Mary Katherine Gallagher…”Superstar!”
Graceful recovery @kellyclarkson 😜 day is made that I got to see you!!!! #Indy500 pic.twitter.com/i1rIHwb6YP
— Zoe Minton (@zoealexa5) May 26, 2019
The Grammy award winner then continued on to nail her rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
.@KellyClarkson performs the National Anthem before the #Indy500 on @NBC.
Stream here: https://t.co/tf7QqeUNH5 pic.twitter.com/6PSboE6j1Z
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) May 26, 2019
Boom.
Prior to Kelly’s performance, though, season 16 winner of American Idol, and member of Team Kelly, Chevel Shepherd, sang “God Bless America.” Putting a few country girl licks on the tune, the petite vocalist demonstrated an incredible range and control.
God Bless America Thank You @officialchevel 16 (soon to be 17 ) year old Chevel Shepherd of #FarmingtonNM sang at the #indy500 Beautiful pic.twitter.com/19t1ejL21U
— BacklogNM (@EndtheBacklogNM) May 26, 2019
However, Chevel’s performance didn’t sit well with one listener who took to Twitter to express their distaste. The viewer wrote, “Absolute WORST version of God Bless America I’ve ever heard!!! Sing it the way it was written, without all the slow whining, the ‘stylizing,’ the chirps and warbles. Want to know how to sing it right? Listen to Kate Smith’s version.”
@kellyclarkson Indy 500 – Absolute WORST version of God Bless America I’ve ever heard!!! Sing it the way it was written, without all the slow whining, the “stylizing,” the chirps and warbles. Want to know how to sing it right? Listen to Kate Smith’s version.
— JR Jansen (@AV8VA) May 26, 2019
Since the tweeter tagged Kelly in the post, the superstar was quick to respond, but did it with grace, offering a benefit of the doubt that most could not have mustered. She replied, “I didn’t actually sing that song today, but the 16 yr old girl that did, nailed it. Also, think about the fact that U signed in online & took the time 2 drag a 16 yr old girl. Really think about it because Ur showing the worst side of U & I have faith that you’re cooler than this.”
Well done, Miss Independent.
I didn’t actually sing that song today but the 16 yr old girl that did, nailed it. Also, think about the fact that U signed in online & took the time 2 drag a 16 yr old girl. Really think about it because Ur showing the worst side of U & I have faith that you’re cooler than this. https://t.co/dAEhl4MamV
— Kelly Clarkson (@kellyclarkson) May 26, 2019
