Kelly Clarkson accidentally let the
cat out of the bag.
While performing the title track to
latest studio release "Piece by Piece" at Staples Center on Wednesday
night, emotions suddenly got the best of the singer, who announced she was
pregnant with her second child.
"I'd like to apologize to my
husband" (Brandon Blackstock), a teary-eyed Clarkson said. "I didn't
mean for it to come out like that here. I'm just so hormonal today and didn't
want you to think I was being weird."
She co-wrote the stirring ballad,
where personal lyrics contrast being abandoned by her father at age six (due to
divorce) with the far better relationship Blackstock has with their own
14-month old daughter, River Rose. Done with lone piano accompaniment in Los
Angeles, it was definitely a standout moment.
Sia was part of the terrific No. 1
album's large creative team. Some songs feature orchestration or string
sections because Clarkson wanted a film soundtrack vibe. Others have a more
upbeat dance pop sheen.
Eurodisco-leaning "Dance with
Me," the first of seven new tracks played live, was among them. It got the
90-minute show off to an energized start. Barefoot and clad in a glittery gold
and black outfit (there would be a few costume changes), Clarkson immediately walked out
to a small heart-shaped stage at the center of the floor and stayed awhile. A
female backing trio bolstered the propulsive "Catch My Breath."
Images from cinema's golden age appeared behind tall rotating shutters
during "Nostalgic."
Never one to mince words, Clarkson
dedicated the soulful "Mr. Know it All" to "any (jerk) you've
ever met." The original "American Idol" displayed her impressive
vocal chops on the regal empowerment song "Invincible" (currently
climbing various Billboard charts) and a resonant "Because of
You/Breakaway" medley.
After signing a diehard male fan's
phone, Clarkson joked about getting through another sad selection,
"Tightrope." The orchestral-meets-EDM of "Take You High"
felt a bit awkward, but the band totally rocked out on "Behind These Hazel
Eyes."
The momentum sharply changed when Clarkson
brought out a seemingly unknown male singer (I heard he's made the music
reality show rounds) for a solo "My Funny Valentine" during the
concert's "open mic" segment.
Appropriately, she did a fun cover
of Demi Lovato's "Cool for the Summer" then dramatically downshifted
into the delicate and lush, synth-driven "Sober." Afterward,
Clarkson, 33, noted how she was so depressing in her twenties and liked her
life better now.
A dynamic "Stronger"
really sent the crowd - heavily populated by gay men including ex-NSYNCer Lance
Bass - into a loud singalong frenzy. Opening a capella act Pentatonix
guested on the effervescent "Heartbeat Song" and helped it soar even
more. The upbeat mashup of "Uptown Funk" and Clarkson's "Walk
Away" worked well. All four ladies sang, resulting in a sweet soul sister
delight.
Come encore time, Clarkson belted
out fierce renditions of "Miss Independent" and "Since You Been
Gone."
Earlier, successful YouTube
sensation Pentatonix delivered a dazzling 40-minute set.
Judging by all the
t-shirts, many shrieking young concertgoers apparently came strictly to see the
quintet. Although four of the five members routinely hit high notes, tenor
Mitch Grassi's falsetto got the most cheers.
The group frequently stood on lighted
bleachers to put their engaging harmonies on songs by Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande
and others. But "The Evolution of Michael Jackson" (featuring bits of
two dozen hits) and Grammy winning "Daft Punk" were true wonders to
behold. Originals like the old school doo wop of "Can't Sleep Love"
and African-influenced audience participation number "On My Way Home"
fared equally well.
Singer/songwriter Eric Hutchinson
never disappoints.
This was his second time touring with Clarkson, who recorded
a Hutchinson composition in 2011.
During a fun half hour set, the musician
seamlessly moved from keyboards to guitar. He eventually won over the LA crowd
- not an easy feat when your forte is well crafted pop/rock.
Highlights
included an insanely catchy, reggaefied "Rock and Roll," peppy
"A Little More" (deftly fused with Taylor Swift's "Shake it
Off") and vulnerable acoustic based "Watching You Watch Him."
A version of my review originally appeared at ocregister.com. All photos by Kelly Swift.
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