Kelly Clarkson’s Priceless, Unfiltered Reaction to Cellist During Radiohead’s ‘Creep’ Cover Goes Viral
By Website Content Manager
The American Idol winner launched her Las Vegas residency on July 11 at The Colosseum in Caesars Palace.
Kelly Clarkson didn’t hold back when reacting to a cellist’s stunning performance.
While performing at her Studio Sessions show—part of her Las Vegas residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace—on Saturday, Aug. 2, the 43-year-old singer brought her popular Kellyoke segment to the live stage. Ahead of her rendition of Radiohead’s 1992 classic “Creep,” the intro played so beautifully that Clarkson couldn’t help but drop an expletive in amazement.
Introducing the song, she told the audience, “This is one of my absolute favorite songs to cover. I’ll admit nothing can top the original, but I’m just here to enjoy it and give it my all.”
As her band began playing the intro to Radiohead’s “Creep,” Kelly Clarkson was visibly stunned by the beauty of the performance. “Oh my God, I missed this part in rehearsal,” she exclaimed, gesturing toward the cellist, who was met with loud applause from the crowd.
Clearly taken aback, Clarkson turned to the musician, Ismael Ariel Guerrero Bombut, and joked, “I can’t even… Ismael, what the f—?” She then asked the band to start over so she could fully enjoy the moment.
Still in awe, Clarkson laughed and said, “I wasn’t ready. Let’s do that again—I want to watch!” The band happily obliged, restarting the song so she could soak in the cellist’s artistry.
Later, she shared a video of the moment on Instagram, writing, “I love to perform this song so much!! Also, @ismacello, that was so incredibly beautiful!” In response, Bombut commented, “I have no words. It’s been such a blessing to have the opportunity to share the stage with you. Forever grateful @kellyclarkson ❤️❤️❤️.”
Fans were quick to shower Clarkson with praise for her version of the 1992 hit and for her wide-ranging vocal talents. One fan commented, “She says nothing’s better than the original—but she can sing anything better than the original! 😍” Another wrote, “Now we need a Kelly Clarkson album backed by a full orchestra. Pleeeeeeaaaasssee!” A third fan added, “Kelly is one of the most authentic and heartfelt performers out there, and beyond that, she’s insanely talented. Watching her feels like watching your best friend on stage. And she delivers every single time. ❤️❤️❤️”
Clarkson had originally planned to launch her Las Vegas residency on Friday, July 4, but postponed it by a week to rest her voice. She officially opened on July 11 at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.
On July 4, she explained the delay to fans on Instagram: “We’ve been working non-stop to make Studio Sessions an intimate and unforgettable experience for my amazing fans,” she wrote. “I’m incredibly grateful for your support, and it breaks my heart to have to postpone tonight and tomorrow’s shows at Caesars.” She went on, “All the prep and rehearsals have strained my voice, and I need to take this time to recover so I don’t risk long-term damage. I want these shows to be perfect for you all.”