Kelly Clarkson at Universal: Girl-next-door makes good
Clarkson, that is.
We're not quite yet on a first-name basis a la Cher, Beyonc and, dare we say it, Whitney but Kelly Clarkson, who performs Saturday at Universal's Mardi Gras, is making that kind of connection with America's heart.
It has been 10 years since Clarkson was swept into the spotlight as the first winner of "American Idol," one of the few TV shows that still approaches water-cooler conversation status in the age of 500 channels. As its first ambassador, Clarkson had the weight of the show's credibility on her shoulders.
She carried the burden with ease, moving beyond her Idol anthem "A Moment Like This" to establish her own pop career on the momentum of a string of hits such as "Miss Independent," "Because of You," "I Do Not Hook Up" and "My Life Would Suck Without You." The latter shot from No. 97 to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 singles list in one week, breaking the record for the biggest chart leap formerly held by the Britney Spears' single "Womanizer."Clarkson's latest hit, "Stronger," is ubiquitous on TV commercials for Ford, where she sings it along with a carload of celebrities that includes ESPN's Chris Berman. Like so many of her songs, it's catchy, with a propulsive beat and a big chorus.
But it's more than music that has earned Clarkson, 29, a place in our hearts.
With a winning smile and an accessible vibe, it's as if the girl-next-door is singing in the spotlight.
When she sings in high-pressure situations, such as her recent bang-up job on "The Star Spangled Banner" at the Super Bowl, there's a tendency to root for her.
And, while there was no logical reason for actor Steve Carell's character to scream "Kelly Clarkson!" in the midst of a string of expletives in that too-painful-for-any-dude-to-watch body-waxing scene in "The 40-Year-Old Virgin," here's a theory: Maybe he was just calling out for someone who seems like she would be a friend in need.
Other things to like about our first American Idol:
That new hairstyle, with the straight bangs, is reminiscent of vintage Linda Ronstadt of the 1970s. Not a bad thing.
And she's gracious and human about the fact that she's put on a few pounds since her Idol days. The Daily Mail ran a picture of ! cartoon character Jessica Rabbit next to photos of Clarkson's Rubenesque frame in a glittery red dress at the American Music Awards in November.
Her reaction: "When people talk about my weight, I'm like, 'You seem to have a problem with it; I don't.'"
You go, Kelly.
Yeah, we're on a first-name basis now.
Kelly Clarkson
What: Performing at Universal's Mardi Gras concert series
When: Parade begins at 7:30 p.m., followed by the concert at 8:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Universal Studios, intersection of Interstate 4 and Kirkman Road, Orlando
Cost: Included in regular park admission. A one-day, one-park ticket is $85 ($79 ages 3-9). Florida residents can buy a ticket online that allows entry after 5 p.m. on Mardi Gras dates for $59.99.
Call: 407-363-8000
Online: UniversalOrlando.com/MardiGras
What else: Read Jim Abbott's review after the show at OrlandoSentinel.com/soundboard