Kelly Clarkson Recalls Grueling Effort Behind Final 'Kellyoke' Rendition of 'Golden'

During a Sept. 21 appearance on Late Night With Seth Meyers, Kelly Clarkson discussed the difficulty of performing the KPop Demon Hunters hit "Golden" on the final episode of her syndicated talk show. She said the song, the most requested Kellyoke track of the show's seven-year run, required extensive practice and multiple backup takes because of its extreme vocal range. Clarkson also mentioned that her son jokingly commented on how high the song was, and she admitted the challenge made her feel overwhelmed at times.

Clarkson's preparation for "Golden" involved extensive rehearsal at home, where her son Remington's candid observations about the song's extreme pitch added pressure. She admitted needing to work extensively on vocal placement to avoid sounding strained, and the difficulty was so significant that she recorded two additional backup takes, both unsuccessful.

Beyond the performance discussion, Clarkson reflected on Dolly Parton's legacy, praising her blend of talent and business acumen. She recalled a personal encounter where Parton made her feel valued at a large industry event, which Clarkson described as a lesson in how to treat others. She also noted the seamless transition back to The Voice for its 30th season.