Watch out, Sam Smith! Kelly Clarkson gave the British belter a run for his money on Sunday, Oct. 19.
Clarkson, 32, took on one of Smith’s songs while performing in a free concert at Charlotte, N.C.’s Symphony Park. Celebrating the rising star’s single “Stay With Me” as “fun to sing,” Clarkson informed the crowd that she was going to switch it up from her usual setlist.
“It’s bluesy and it’s awesome — anybody like Sam Smith here?” the new mother asked the crowd. “Well, I love this song. I know you’ve probably heard it a bunch, but just bear with me. I love it. This is called ‘Stay With Me.'”
The “Catch My Breath” singer, who welcomed daughter River Rose with husband Brandon Blackstock this past June, then launched into an impressive cover of Smith’s breakout hit.
Accompanied by a guitar, the American Idol winner crooned, “Oh, won’t you stay with me? / ‘Cause you’re all I need / This ain’t love, it’s clear to see / But darling, stay with me,” later asking the audience to join in on the singing with her.
The Microsoft-sponsored show was Clarkson’s first solo gig since the birth of her daughter. She previously joined Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks for a September performance, and has plans to reunite with the pair for her Miracle on Broadway benefit concert at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena in December.
Watch Clarkson perform “Stay With Me” in the video above!
