Kelly Clarkson Performed Final Kellyoke Track
The singer concluded her show's popular music segment with a rendition of Golden earlier this year.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Pop
In 2026, Kelly Clarkson marked the end of her talk show by performing the song Golden for her final Kellyoke segment. This performance served as the closing act for the long-running musical feature of the program.
Why it matters
The song was the most-requested selection for the Kellyoke segment, and the performance required specific vocal adjustments to hit high notes requested by directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans for the character Rumi.
Clarkson successfully relied on a single take for the final performance after recording two backup attempts. The track features demanding high notes originally composed by co-writer EJAE.
The players
Kelly Clarkson
She is a celebrated singer and television personality who currently serves as a coach on The Voice.
EJAE
This songwriter and artist is credited with co-writing the track Golden.
Maggie Kang
She is a director who requested the specific high notes featured in the song for the character Rumi.
Chris Appelhans
He is a director who collaborated on the vision for the song Golden's vocal requirements.
Late Night with Seth Meyers
This late-night talk show served as the platform where the performance was discussed.
The details
During the performance process, Clarkson rehearsed the song's high notes to adjust their placement before selecting the optimal take. The singer, who also serves as a coach on The Voice, discussed the technical requirements of the song during an appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers.
Timeline
The performance of Golden took place earlier this year in 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The conclusion of the Kellyoke segment marks the end of a popular recurring feature in the daytime talk show landscape. This format change mirrors broader shifts in how television hosts balance musical performance with standard interview content.
Viewers can no longer access new Kellyoke segments as the talk show has officially concluded production. Fans can continue to follow Clarkson's work through her ongoing role as a coach on The Voice.
The takeaway
The performance highlights the technical rigor behind seemingly spontaneous television musical segments. Artists must often undergo multiple rehearsal sessions to ensure the final take meets production standards for broadcast.
Further reading
Explore more about current trends in Pop music and industry developments.
