Kelly Clarkson stronger than ever
Kelly Clarkson wowed fans in Brisbane.
A COVER of Adele's hit Someone Like You has been at the top of the wish list for fans of American pop idol Kelly Clarkson.
Concert after concert, Clarkson admitted she avoided the song when it came to taking Facebook and Twitter fan requests.
"It's hard to compare to Adele, hopefully I do it justice and I don't suck," Clarkson said last night at Brisbane Entertainment Centre.
But Clarkson delivered the goods, belting out her rendition of the worldwide smash hit. She kicked off her Australian tour with the Queensland gig in front of a packed house.
The winner of the first series of American Idol has come a long way in the past 10 years, now a multi-platinum singer songwriter selling more than 20 million albums worldwide.
And the fans are still there with her every step of the way, supporting her latest album Stronger.
Opening for Clarkson was The Voice Australia finalist Sarah De Bono, who sang to acoustic guitar.
De Bono's signature flaming red hair and sassy fashion style was out in force, complete with mis-matching neon heels.
De Bono sang a mix of covers by Paramore, Beyonce and Chris Brown, before performing her new song Once Upon a Time.
The Fray took a backseat for the Brisbane gig as a second support for Clarkson, but they certainly gave a headliner performance.
A bursting display of lights and sound were offset by solo moments on the piano by cheeky lead singer Isaac Slade. The Fray were energetic and worked well together i! n their six-piece band, with a booming mix of sounds.
It was great to see Slade venture into the nether regions of the back of the venue, when he ran through the crowd, climbed on seats and hugged fans during the song Happiness.
The Fray boys said they were "stoked" to be touring Australia and complimented de Bono saying "man that girl has some pipes".
The stage was set for Clarkson, who opened with My Life Would Suck Without You, before getting the crowd on its feet to Behind These Hazel Eyes.
Clarkson was humble and appreciative to her Australian fans, saying "It was hard in America sometimes after winning Idol I was just seen as a singing show queen but in Australia you saw me as a new artist and I really appreciated that".
Clarkson worked through her vast catalogue of hits from her recent offerings including Darkside as well as older tracks like Breakaway and Since You've Been Gone.
She made her way to the back of the audience to cover Fun's tune We Are Young, giving fans a chance to get up close to the Southern singing sensation.
Clarkson was sweet in her crowd interactions, asking if the audience was having a good time and thanking them once more for their support. "Are ya'll having a great time?!"
But it was the encore which had the crowd singing to songs such as Because of You, Mr Know It All, Miss Independent and What Doesn't Kill You.
Clarkson's voice did not disappoint, only getting stronger throughout the show.
Kelly Clarkson continues her Australian tour with performances in Sydney tomorrow, Denilquin, Melbourne, Adelaide and finishing in Perth on October 5.