Viewers Discuss Kelly Clarkson's Guest Performance During 'The Voice' Season Finale - Video

The first-ever "American Idol" champion returned to the spotlight recently to deliver a holiday rendition that sparked both admiration and debate among viewers.

Kelly Clarkson made a spectacular return to "The Voice" during its highly anticipated season 26 finale, captivating audiences with both her vocal prowess and stunning appearance. However, not all social media users felt the same, with many expressing mixed views about her guest performance online.

The beloved singer and talk show host graced the stage on the Tuesday, December 10, episode of NBC's popular singing competition to deliver a heartwarming performance of her holiday single, "You for Christmas."

Clarkson, 42, looked dazzling in a striking gown that featured feathered trim along the sleeves and skirt, evoking a sense of seasonal elegance. Her old Hollywood-inspired curls and a vibrant pop of red lipstick complemented her ensemble, creating a festive and glamorous look that resonated with the holiday spirit.

Adding to the magical atmosphere, twinkling lights and ornaments adorned the stage, providing the perfect backdrop for her soulful performance.

Clarkson's performance sparked a wide range of reactions from fans, showcasing her polarizing impact as both a powerhouse vocalist and a beloved entertainer.

Reactions on Facebook highlighted both admiration and criticism. Positive feedback included comments like, "Next to Whitney Houston she has got one of the best voices ever [sic]" and "she is an amazing singer…she gets better and better… [sic]" Another user praised her vocal skills, "Gaaahhhh Kelly. Truly the voice of a generation."

On the other hand, several users expressed dissatisfaction. One viewer described the performance as, "What a 'YELLER'. You call that singing. Oh my. She hurt my ears with the screeching."

Another noted, "Kelly has a great voice, this was not one of her best. Little to much screaming. Watch her every day, her looks change every day also. The bright red lip stick does nothing for her [sic]."

A similar sentiment came from someone who shared, "She is doing a lot of yelling," while another added, "Not one of her best, and I didn't think I'd ever say that about Kelly."

There were also broader critiques about the production, such as, "I had a hard time hearing anyone's voices. The music was so loud and overshadowed everyone's voice." One disgruntled commenter simply wrote, "Not impressed."

On Instagram, the responses followed a similar pattern. Fans celebrated her talent with enthusiastic comments like, "Unbelievable talent!!! To be like @kellyclarkson" and "The crowd went crazy after that insane whistle note at the end."

However, others echoed the critique of excessive volume, with one user asking, "Why are you screaming, Kelly? You have the most ridiculously, amazing, beautiful voice, but…" Another commented, "Too much yelling for a Christmas song."

In the lead-up to her performance, Clarkson shared a behind-the-scenes video offering fans an intimate look at her preparations. The short clip featured her getting dressed, styled, and rehearsing with the crew. Thrilled to be back, she exclaimed, "I love it! I love being back on 'The Voice.'"

Clarkson expressed her deep affection for the show, highlighting her appreciation for the supportive crew, the positive energy on set, and the joy of singing a holiday tune. The opportunity to perform in such a festive setting seemed to make the experience even more special for the singer.

Clarkson's return also brought back memories of her impactful tenure as a coach on "The Voice." She joined the show in Season 14 and served as a coach through Season 21, returning for Season 23.

Throughout her time on the show, she secured four wins, solidifying her reputation as a powerhouse mentor. Her departure after Season 23 was influenced by her focus on "The Kelly Clarkson Show," which relocated from Los Angeles to New York in the summer of 2023.

"The Kelly Clarkson Show" continues to be a standout success in daytime television. The Emmy Award-winning program, produced by NBC Universal Syndication Studios, is praised for its mix of humor, heartfelt stories, and engaging celebrity interviews.

It is currently the highest-rated talk show debut in seven years, airing in every major market across over 200 stations nationwide. Clarkson, as an executive producer alongside Alex Duda, has established the show as a must-watch destination for audiences, further cementing her multifaceted legacy.

Kelly Clarkson's guest performance during "The Voice" finale not only reignited the spotlight on her musical talents but also reminded fans of her enduring connection to the show.

Despite mixed reactions to her performance, Clarkson's passion for music, television, and entertaining her audience remains a driving force behind her ongoing success and influence in the entertainment industry.