Kelly Clarkson Goes Full Vampire in Haunting Olivia Rodrigo Cover That Showcases Her Incredible Vocals

Kelly Clarkson brought a seriously spooky twist to her signature Kellyoke segment, trading her usual look for a full vampire transformation and delivering a chilling performance of one of Olivia Rodrigo’s biggest hits. Complete with bloody tears, a dramatic black gown and soaring vocal runs, the singer turned Halloween into a showcase of pure vocal power.

The three-time Grammy winner took over the stage on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, with a haunting rendition of Rodrigo’s chart-topping single, “Vampire.” And she certainly committed to the Halloween theme.

A FULL VAMPIRE TRANSFORMATION FOR HALLOWEEN

Clarkson appeared in a dramatic, floor-length black gown featuring a plunging neckline and flowing batwing sleeves. A black velvet choker completed the gothic look, while fake bloody tears, created with makeup and appliqués, streamed down beneath her eyes.

But the theatrical appearance was only part of the performance.

Instead of her usual backing band, Y’all, Clarkson was accompanied by a lone pianist, whose eerie arrangement gave the song an even darker atmosphere. The musician, who appeared to be dressed as Uncle Fester, added another unmistakable Halloween touch.

KELLY CLARKSON PUTS HER OWN STAMP ON OLIVIA RODRIGO’S HIT

As the opening notes played, Clarkson launched into the emotionally charged lyrics, capturing the song’s themes of betrayal, anger and heartbreak.

Her rendition stayed faithful to the television-friendly version of the track, including the memorable lines about being sold for parts and drained by a bloodsucker. Yet she made the performance unmistakably her own with powerful high notes, sweeping vocal runs and an intensity that brought a fresh edge to Rodrigo’s original.

The result was a darker, theatrical take on a song already steeped in gothic imagery.

THE STORY BEHIND OLIVIA RODRIGO’S ‘VAMPIRE’

Rodrigo previously opened up about the inspiration behind the track during an interview with Rolling Stone in June 2023.

The singer explained that the song began when she sat down at the piano and started playing chords that gave her a distinctly gothic feeling. The vampire imagery soon became a creative starting point, with references to creatures that only emerge at night providing plenty of material for the songwriting.

She also revealed that the track reflected a personal experience and the anger that can build up following a painful situation.

Released as the lead single from her second studio album, GUTS, in June 2023, “Vampire” quickly became a major commercial success.

The song debuted at No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100, marking another major achievement for Rodrigo. By the November 4-dated chart, it had spent 17 weeks on the ranking and sat at No. 11.

A NEW CHAPTER FOR THE KELLY CLARKSON SHOW

The Halloween performance also came shortly after The Kelly Clarkson Show returned for its fifth season.

Clarkson had opened the new season with another major vocal showcase, taking on Christina Aguilera’s empowering hit “Fighter.”

Earlier that month, she also spoke to USA Today about her decision to leave The Voice after nine seasons, amid personal struggles, and what the move meant for her future.

Moving on had clearly been important to her. Clarkson explained that one of the things she looked forward to most about the fifth season was being able to arrive at work genuinely happy, describing that feeling as a gift she had not fully appreciated until she experienced the change.

With her Halloween transformation and powerful take on Rodrigo’s “Vampire,” Clarkson delivered another memorable Kellyoke moment, proving that even a familiar hit can take on an entirely different atmosphere in her hands.