Kelly Clarkson has a rebellious side!
In 2021, Clarkson did a gritty rendition of the rock tune “Happier Than Ever” by Billie Eilish that will get you to start head-banging immediately. The performance started out with Clarkson crooning gently with acoustic guitars. The beat then dropped, and she quickly transitioned into a more intense tone, erupting into soaring belting notes while she sang the emotional lyrics.
In a 2022 interview with Billboard, Clarkson explained why she chose to cover the track on The Kelly Clarkson Show.
“That song just was so, I think, poignant for so many people,” she told the outlet. “So that one really did hit home for me and I really, really, really wanted to do that one.
“Happier Than Ever” is one of the six songs featured on Clarkson’s 2022 Kellyoke EP.
“I like the fact that I got to change it up and kind of put my own spin on it. I cover her all the time, I love her music. Just a really great songwriter. And even the vibe of the songs, their team is just so good. So I was pretty sure I wanted to do that one and that one went viral, so the ones that we know the fans like, we obviously went to as well,” she said.
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She continued: “Even how I said ‘Happier Than Ever,’ Billie’s song, that song I’m sure means a whole heap of different thing for her. But the domino effect of her releasing that and how it affects so many other people, because those are the songs when you are completely honest and you’re angry and you’re sad and you’re hurt. And all those things, that equation makes for the best songs. So I’m just navigating what I’m comfortable with releasing.”
What to know about “Happier Than Ever” by Billie Eilish
A song off of Eilish’s 2021 second studio album of the same name, “Happier Than Ever” reached the number 11 position on the Billboard Hot 100. The lyrics tell the story of swearing off a former toxic partner, and Rolling Stone described it as “the perfect anthem for 2021.”
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The lyrics to “Happier Than Ever” by Billie Eilish
When I’m away from you, I’m happier than ever Wish I could explain it better I wish it wasn’t true Give me a day or two to think of something clever To write myself a letter To tell me what to do
Do you read my interviews? Or do you skip my avenue? (My avenue) When you (when you) said you were passing through Was I even on your way?
I knew when I asked you to (when I asked you to) Be cool about what I was telling you You’d do the opposite of what you said you’d do (what you said you’d do) And I’d end up more afraid
Don’t say it isn’t fair You clearly weren’t aware that you made me miserable So if you really wanna know
When I’m away from you (when I’m away from you) I’m happier than ever (happier than ever) Wish I could explain it better (wish I could explain it better) I wish it wasn’t true (wish it wasn’t true), mmm-mmm
You call me again, drunk in your Benz Driving home under the influence You scared me to death, but I’m wasting my breath ‘Cause you only listen to your f***ing friends
I don’t relate to you I don’t relate to you, no ‘Cause I’d never treat me this s****y You made me hate this city
And I don’t talk shit about you on the internet Never told anyone anything bad ‘Cause that s***’s embarrassing, you were my everything And all that you did was make me f***ing sad So don’t waste the time I don’t have And don’t try to make me feel bad
I could talk about every time that you showed up on time But I’d have an empty line ’cause you never did Never paid any mind to my mother or friends So I shut ’em all out for you ’cause I was a kid
You ruined everything good Always said you were misunderstood Made all my moments your own Just f***ing leave me alone