Everyone was in tears, including the judges, after an emotional performance from Kelly Clarkson in American Idol, Thursday night.
![Kelly Clarkson | [VIDEO] Watch Kelly Clarkson Bring Everyone to Tears With Emotional Performance of 'Piece by Piece' Kelly Clarkson | [VIDEO] Watch Kelly Clarkson Bring Everyone to Tears With Emotional Performance of 'Piece by Piece'](https://celebritygossiper.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Kelly-Clarkson.png)
[VIDEO] Watch Kelly Clarkson Bring Everyone to Tears With Emotional Performance of ‘Piece by Piece’
Kelly Clarkson’s American Idol Performance Will Break Your Cold Heart Into a Million Pieces!
Season 1 “American Idol” winner, Kelly Clarkson, made her emotional return to the American Idol stage on Thursday. The Breakout Star reduced the audience and judges to tears with her heartbreaking performance of “Piece by Piece.”
#IdolTonight with @kelly_clarkson, @KeithUrban ‘s face sums it up. I think this is how we all felt. pic.twitter.com/O1caimwZ5d — Colin Dyer (@ColinDyerMusic) 26 February 2016
Kelly, 33, who’s currently expecting her 2nd child with husband Brandon Blackstock opened up about the song, which she wrote about being abandoned by her father as a child. “Idol” judges Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick Jr. watched her in awe as her voice broke with emotion at the end of the song. She had to restart a few lines as she fought back tears.
![Kelly Clarkson | [VIDEO] Watch Kelly Clarkson Bring Everyone to Tears With Emotional Performance of 'Piece by Piece' Kelly Clarkson | [VIDEO] Watch Kelly Clarkson Bring Everyone to Tears With Emotional Performance of 'Piece by Piece'](https://celebritygossiper.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Kelly-Clarkson-2.png)
Urban also took to Twitter his reaction to the emotional moment.
.@kelly_clarkson – I am truly speechless. Thank you for gracing us tonight with your beautiful heart, soul, gift, & your pure humanity! – KU — Keith Urban (@KeithUrban) 26 February 2016
It also brought tears to the eyes of Idol frontrunner, La’Porsha Renae, who had a show-stopping performance of Rihanna’s “Diamonds.” The audience loved her raw performance, chanting, “Kelly, Kelly, Kelly!” Longtime host, Ryan Seacrest said.
“You have us all in tears. The emotion that you exude always, but especially in that important song, it’s just incredible.”
“Super pregnant and hormonal,”
Clarkson explained. “I’m pregnant, and it’s nostalgic, and I can’t believe it’s the last season. I’m really sorry I just bawled.”
such an honor to see u perform on Idol stage again @kelly_clarkson. Unforgettable pic.twitter.com/qrNPutxXHp — Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) 27 February 2016
hard not to cry watching @JLo cry — Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) 26 February 2016
American Idol
is currently in its final season. Since winning the title 14 years ago, Clarkson has released 7 studio albums and won 12 Grammys! She’s also received nominations and wins for other honors like Billboard Music Awards, MTV VMAs, and more.