Kelly Clarkson

But you were universally most talked about.

So we can market like a, you know, who talks about our cheerleaders? Everyone. Well, they are outstanding. I can admit that. I was like, it is, it is funny. Like our team is the most, probably one of the most stated, but also because I think too, we're always so hopeful. I don't think there's been more dreamers. Like, you know, cause it's been since the 90s and every year is our year.

I just read something with my sister. Yeah, I just read this with my sister. And it said something, I guess, Jerry Jones had said about, well, this is the, now it's the time. And I was like, oh, okay. So it's different from the last, now's the time.

Because, you know, you see players switch it up and that's like, even Barkley going from Giants to the Eagles. And I loved him on the Giants. He was on my team, my fantasy team. But like, When players are switched up, it is interesting to see how they fly and soar in different scenarios. I'm talking a lot about football. I'm sorry. It's so impressive. I'm very sorry. I love it. Yeah, I'm done.

We don't have to continue. You're like, so my husband played. I don't play football, but I don't know why.

Yes, but let's clear the air. Because I didn't know how big that was going to blow up, that news. You just never know. And I got, we've been blown up from artists and people wanting to work at this label. And I'm like, it is a label, yes, but it's only to put my music out. It's not like I'm starting something.

like a full on because people were like, hey, artists are wanting to be signed and like people wanting to work at it. And I was like, oh, no, I just had to create something because I'm like releasing my stuff. Right. And it was like you have to like release it through some kind of vessel. So it is it's High Road Records. It's my that's my ranch. High Road Ranch is my ranch in Montana.

So I was like, oh, I'll just call it High Road Records. And it kind of blew up. So I'm not taking artists. This is great. And I'm really lucky to clean the air right now because it's not that I don't want to. I know a lot of amazing artists. It's just that that is like, my plate is, my cup runneth over. I'm a single mom with two kids and like a lot going on.

Like, so I don't want to do that thing, but I did. It is cool at 42. to be able now to completely run the ship. I mean, I've worked with some great people at labels and some not so great, but it's kind of cool though to have my own label for my own stuff and just do it. We just shot a video in my little town that I live in. in Montana, which is where I wrote the song.

And like, we shot at this really cool opera house and it was like, it's just a really cool thing. And it was just me and my band and all these people I've known for decades, you know? So it's cool. It's just being able to play like 10 year olds that really love to like dream and nobody like slapping your hand. You can't do that. You can't do that.

You really get to do it your own way. Yeah, which I feel like I've been able to like kind of do that, but with some compromise here and there. But like this time it was just like, nah, I just want to do it. Like, cause fortunately I have enough to like go play Vegas, enough hits to do that kind of thing. So it's like, I'm just going to like write whatever comes out and like do whatever comes out.

And it's kind of fun.

Because my mom.

For all of us in that first season, we literally didn't, I didn't even know it was a TV show until my third audition. Like we were literally trying to pay our bills, y'all. Just to be, we're like, oh, this might work. I might meet someone or whatever. Nobody knew it was going to amount to anything. You know, there were already other shows like Pop Stars, like all those other shows out or whatever.

So nobody knew. And even the sex, they all knew. They knew what could happen. Because Miss Independent had hit like my single, like they knew like what,

So it was a different story. So people were like, so I think for me, we were literally like kids, like, you know, 19 years old, just like trying to pay my electric bill, y'all. So like I, you know, and afford the deductible on my car that was bashed in that I couldn't afford. Like, you know, so we, it was a different, it was a different thing. So I don't look at it.

like how everybody perceives it. Like, it's almost like weird that I'm in, like, I don't know. I don't know how to describe it.

Because nobody really watched until it was like maybe the top five people started watching, I think. Yeah. So it was maybe easier to win because there weren't that many people.

People would be bold without the talent. Like it was real funny. Like one of the people that went in, like, cause I, like I said, we have no idea what we're doing, but the girl that came before me and my audition was,

that song um the remake it's you get you yeah that song the uh patty the bell song it yeah i was like i can't think of the name right now anyway um but it uh it lady marmalade i was like nope not gonna be able to leave it gonna have to find it there it is um but anyway the girl uh sang an operatic version of that song like right before me and i was like look i don't know what this is but i think i'm gonna do all right

It's like, I think I might make it if this is what it is. Because people were, there were also amazing people too, but it was just like, it ran the gamut. Like since season one, it was like, no lady, this is bad parenting. the mother of the person who went before me, she came out and I was like, oh man, cause I have a very different mom from this mom.

And my mom is, do not ask her unless you want the truth. Cause that's what's gonna seep from her lips. Yeah. And regardless of what it is. And this mother,

was polar opposite she was like they just don't get it baby they just don't and i was like we all hurt we all heard i think they get it i think they heard they got it and they told her and they said hey like maybe try and do something new they were constructive too we could hear them it wasn't like they were mean right they were like hey this baby isn't your thing and like because she wasn't even on key the whole time like it's not a subjective thing you hit the notes or you don't like it's not a

choose your own adventure. And you know what I'm saying? It's like, you have to. And she came out, and it made sense why she's so bold, because her mom was like, you do no wrong. And I was like, that's not going to serve her in life.

Oh, see, I don't agree. I know people always say the thing I the thing I I want to point out, too, though, is in the beginning, if you watch me on Idol, like that's the thing that I feel like sucks for the music industry. I was going to say this a minute ago is that.

there's no room for learning or there's no room for molding anymore of like letting an artist like go out and tour some songs and then make that album or let, there's no A&R anymore. There's no, and I feel like I'm from an archaic time of like, If I sang those songs right now that I sang on Idol 20 something years ago, they would sound better now.

Like, it's just like, I was all right, but it's just like, you're a better singer because you have time and experience and I've been given the time for that. They don't have that anymore for artists. And like, that's what, so I'm just saying like, I sound different than I sounded then. Like, everybody's like, oh, you're Kelly Oakes. I'm like, yeah, but I did the same thing on Idol.

I just think it's, you, it's a lot of work. Like, it's a lot of time of touring and putting it-

no no not even no not a not a christmas carol not a nothing nope you haven't graced an album one of those albums you're talking about the christmas ones i was written did you fucking do that no did you do that did she i just guessed it it's don't what is it called which song it's uh it's an original okay

Oh, that's from Justin to Kelly for me.

I cried on my way there. I cried to get out of it. So I understand. Mine didn't go to charity.

Oh, so here's the thing. When it hits, you know what I'm saying? Like when you're an athlete, when you're on fire, when you feel like that was my game, there's no better feeling other than love from your children. Okay. But I just mean... Yeah, but like that note. But I'm just saying like when you... When you do something that you're like, because look, here's the thing.

Most days, you're probably like 80, 85%, especially if you're like a mom. Everything comes into play with your voice, right? Like you're tired. It's the first thing to go. When you're touring, you're constantly on the go, fighting, being sick. Everybody's spreading something on tour. Like you're rarely 100%.

right so you're already not that right which i imagine athletes same thing like it's like you just you just everything is affected right your body is affected by you know illness or being tired so rarely does this happen but when it does happen it's that moment where you feel like you're thor you're right like you're like that was my hammer and i feel like i crushed it and that doesn't happen all the time so when it does you gotta celebrate

and i turned back and i look at jesse who i sing with and i was like and she'll be like oh like there was one time on this last vegas run that we did it did like 10 shows and it was only one show out of all of them and it was just this one song and i think it was a whole lot of woman i don't remember what song it was but i did some kind of run that i can't do like if you for a billion dollars if you asked me to do right now i created it and you

But for whatever reason, the run that came out of this body was not mine, but I'll own it. But I will claim it and steal it. But it came out and I was like, what the? And it was like insane. And I just, it was just this one thing. There it is. I was on cloud nine for the rest of the show. I was like, I could script this whole show, but did y'all remember that run? I was like.

But it is, it is a very cool thing to just like.

Because it doesn't happen all the time.

That's why it's satisfying. Because most of the time I'm walking off that stage, not bummed, but most, I would say 85% of the time I'm like, damn, I messed up here, here, here. Like, you know.

I love The Voice, yeah.

Okay, yeah.

I didn't know that. You have how many kids you coach and you do this?

Are you okay? Yes. Jury's still out. Oh my God. You must. I mean, I run on fumes as well, but like, wow, that's a lot.

I like that too. I operate well into that and pressure. Okay. Yeah. That's a lot. Yeah. And that's like, wow, a lot of girls too. That's a lot of estrogen.

Woo. Yes. Okay. And coaches, because I had coaches, like I had bad ones and I had great ones. The great ones, I mean, they're also therapists.

So great. I love it. I wouldn't have stopped doing the show had I not moved across the country and been a single mom of two. But it was the most like... I think I, the person who understood me the most about it was Jennifer Hudson.

We both did a season together and it was like, sometimes you, you know, not all, not most of the time, most of the time, all the coaches are like incredible, but sometimes it's like, you're like, oh, okay. Like you're treating them less than, you know what I'm saying? And it's like, this was me and Jennifer. Like, you know, this is how we got our start.

And every artist gets their start in a different way. So I think for us, people like us that have been there in that audition process and, and

and just being so judged instantaneously, like on maybe not your best performance, but like, you know, you could do better, but like, it's a hard, it's a grueling thing and it's unforgiving in a lot of ways and a lot of pressure out of the bat for these artists that I don't think a lot of artists that sell tons of records would be able to handle. Like it's a different thing. And so I think for me,

And speaking for Jennifer, it's just a really cool thing to be able to look them in the face and go, look. For her too, because she was like, I didn't win and I won an Oscar. She's like, you can make a career out of this. I think it's really cool for us to be able to have artists on our team and go, this is hard.

Like, it's not, even after you, like, after I won Idol, people were like, oh, she's a millionaire. No, it wasn't. Like, they say million dollar contract. No, I didn't. They said I'd get a car. No, I didn't. Like, I didn't get any of that. We were playing, like, festivals in the middle of cow shit, plugging in all our gear. Sure. Like, you know what I'm saying?

Like, it's still a hustle, like, every bit of it. At 42, it's still a hustle. So it's, you know, but to be able to look at them and say... This isn't just like a thing that you're going to be on here and it's it. It could be, but it could not be, you know, at the same time. And you could get somewhere. We're like the light at the end of the tunnel because we're not it's not lip service.

Well, and who you are, because I start with this. I'm like, this is not, you're not making an album. This is not your most credible album ever. We're not doing Imagine John Lennon here. What we're doing here is navigating a competition, which is completely different. Right.

It's strategy. So it's like you're trying to like strategize with them. And you can't always win every artist over because sometimes Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you.

Do you know what's so funny? She actually made me, Trisha, my manager, makes amazing things. And she actually made me a Cowboys vest that's not quite done yet. But if it would have not had the clip still on it and it was sewn, I was going to come in it. Just for funsies. Just to stir the pot a little. Yeah, just to walk in and let you know right off the bat.

Here's the thing. When you're Texan, and I'm from the Dallas area, there's no choice right off the bat, first of all.

That is what it is as you come out of the womb. So it's always been in my household. But I didn't actually get really hardcore into the NFL until fantasy football, which this is my team. And that got me into the NFL, which I actually think is very smart because it gets you in to other teams. Yes. Because I will say. I had more Eagles on my team than Cowboys.

I did, however, though, I got to tell you, I met Fallon and my show are right across the hall from each other. Yes. And I ended up running into, and I told you a minute ago, I met Barkley, but I forgot I also met Hertz. And I walked up and they all, I happened to be wearing a cowboy sweatshirt that day. I had no idea. I had no idea they were going to be there. Sure. And I didn't.

And I walked up and they were like, oh, sure you. And I go, no, I voted for you. As if he was on American Idol. I literally told Jalen Hurts I voted for him. I was voting for you. I called all night, Jalen. And I don't know why. And then I looked at him and I said, what? No, I didn't. I what? I was like, no, I rooted. I was rooting for you. I was though.

If the Cowboys would have been there, I would not have. Sure.

Did you meet the O-linemen that were there too? Yes. And I didn't know that... I'm going to say his name wrong. Starts with an M. Mylotta. Mylotta. I had no idea and I'm so sad because right after I met him...

is so huge they are so big he's the size of a fridge i mean that respectfully jordan no he's enormous yes and he made her they made hertz and and barkley look like babies oh yeah and anyway i i didn't know he sang so well i had no idea the voice of an angel I went down the rabbit hole afterwards because everybody was like, did you know he sings? And I was like, what?

And I went down the rabbit hole and I wish I'd known that when I met him.

Like, he's great at football, but like... If they ever need a duet partner, I'm willing to cross the line.

That's amazing.

You're listening to DraftKings Network.

It's Kelly Clarkson here to talk all things Wayfair, the best place to buy furniture, decor, and anything else you can think of to create a home you absolutely love. Some of y'all might have heard I made the cross-country move from LA to New York last year, and Wayfair has definitely helped me create the feeling of home wherever I am.

I love a cozy couch and a comfy living room that feels like our little sanctuary for our family. And I love vases, I love candles, I love anything that kind of makes you feel at home and peaceful. Anyway, something about me is I love options when it comes to making my home more me.

I know when I shop with Wayfair, I find options for every style, whether I'm feeling boho or farmhouse, modern, traditional, French country. I can find exactly what I need for my home and more. Everyone loves a good deal. I mean, who does not want free and fast and easy delivery? Come on. No matter your space, style, or budget, shopwayfair.com to make your home way more you.

You're listening to DraftKings Network.

It's Kelly Clarkson here to talk all things Wayfair, the best place to buy furniture, decor, and anything else you can think of to create a home you absolutely love. Some of y'all might have heard I made the cross-country move from LA to New York last year, and Wayfair has definitely helped me create the feeling of home wherever I am.

I love a cozy couch and a comfy living room that feels like our little sanctuary for our family, and I love vases, I love candles, I love anything that kind of makes you feel at home and peaceful. Anyway, something about me is I love options when it comes to making my home more me.

I know when I shop with Wayfair, I find options for every style, whether I'm feeling boho or farmhouse, modern, traditional, French country. I can find exactly what I need for my home and more. Everyone loves a good deal. I mean, who does not want free and fast and easy delivery? Come on. No matter your space, style, or budget, shopwayfair.com to make your home way more you.

Wayfair, every style, every home.

It's Kelly Clarkson here to talk all things Wayfair, the best place to buy furniture, decor, and anything else you can think of to create a home you absolutely love. I know when I shop with Wayfair, I find options for every style, whether I'm feeling boho or farmhouse, modern, traditional, French country. I can find exactly what I need for my home and more.

No matter your space, style, or budget, shopwayfair.com to make your home way more you. Wayfair, every

It's Kelly Clarkson here to talk all things Wayfair, the best place to buy furniture, decor, and anything else you can think of to create a home you absolutely love. I know when I shop with Wayfair, I find options for every style, whether I'm feeling boho or farmhouse, modern, traditional, French country. I can find exactly what I need for my home and more.

No matter your space, style, or budget, shopwayfair.com to make your home way more you. Wayfair, every style, every home.

It's Kelly Clarkson here to talk all things Wayfair, the best place to buy furniture, decor, and anything else you can think of to create a home you absolutely love. Some of y'all might have heard I made the cross-country move from LA to New York last year, and Wayfair has definitely helped me create the feeling of home wherever I am.

I love a cozy couch and a comfy living room that feels like our little sanctuary for our family. And I love vases, I love candles, I love anything that kind of makes you feel at home and peaceful. Anyway, something about me is I love options when it comes to making my home more me.

I know when I shop with Wayfair, I find options for every style, whether I'm feeling boho or farmhouse, modern, traditional, French country. I can find exactly what I need for my home and more. Everyone loves a good deal. I mean, who does not want free and fast and easy delivery? Come on. No matter your space, style, or budget, shopwayfair.com to make your home way more you.