Review: Kelly Clarkson at Mohegan Sun

Kelly Clarkson has had to prove herself over and over, right from the start of her career.

First, she had to win the hearts — and votes — of “American Idol” viewers in the show’s first season. Then, in the absence of precedent, she had to demonstrate that the goodwill of 40 million couch potatoes could translate into a viable pop career.

When a pair of multi-platinum-selling albums put to rest any concerns about that, Clarkson opted this year on “My December,” her third release, to try writing songs instead of just singing them, prompting a torrent of criticism, not least from the head of her record label.

Now, after concert promoter Live Nation pulled the plug on Clarkson’s planned summer tour, she has to prove this fall that she has the goods in concert. She did so with impressive confidence Sunday at Mohegan Sun, where the 25-year-old singer transcended the manufactured TV hype, music-biz politics and general buffoonery of popular culture to reveal the real reason for her success: The girl can sing.

With a voice equally well suited to high-powered bombast and simmering nuance, Clarkson rolled through a 75-minute set of songs about, not surprisingly, overcoming obstacles.

Mainly, they were romantic obstacles: bad breakups, undeserving lovers and the like. Whatever the topic, she sold it with the fervor of a true believer, leading her band through hooky, empowering anthems and wrenching tear-your-guts-out numbers. Her excitement was contagious as she jumped up and down on opener “One Minute,” and she seemed stunned for a moment on “Behind These Hazel Eyes,” taking a deep breath as if suddenly realizing she was on stage singing to an arena full of screaming fans.

Clarkson justified their ardor the way she sang with a touch of grit on “Don’t Waste Your Time,” from her new album, and in the outpouring of soul on her cover of Patty Griffin’s gospel-tinged “Up to the Mountain (MLK Song).”

The latter tune came as part of a grouping of quieter songs in the middle of the set. Clarkson sang “Because of You” accompanied only by Wurlitzer organ, earning a prolonged ovation when she sent her voice soaring into the rafters. Her vocals on the torchy “Be Still” matched the deep purple hue lighting the curtain behind her, and then she disappeared for a moment before the curtain rose on a mash-up of her song “Miss Independent,” interspersed with AC/DC guitar riffs.

She ended her three-song encore by letting the crowd sing the chorus of her biggest non-“Idol” hit so far, the irrepressibly catchy “Since U Been Gone.”

Indiana singer Jon McLaughlin opened with a set of unassuming pop songs.

Comments

[AKS]

God bless Kelly. She is brilliant!

[desirae]

That concert was the best concert ever. Her voice was so incredable. She is the real deal and she is true to her fans.This concert blew me away and im sure many other people too. I cant wait for her to come back to ct.

[MAKICILIN]

This concert far surpassed even the highest expectations. Her voice was spot-on and she delivered each song with the emotion and energy you rarely find anymore. In a world of lip-synchers, Kelly is the real deal.

[Alice]

I have to say... being the biggest Kelly Clarkson fan ever.. it was soo cool to go to my first concert and having it be her at it!!!! she rocked the house to the ground... I would love to do it all over again =)

[Kari Hlobik]

That was the best concert I've seen in years!!! I absolutely LOVE Kelly Clarkson and I know her career will last a lifetime!! Not only is she extremly talented and she can sing live sounding as good as if she were in a recording studio, but she's also very down to earth and personable!! Thanks to my husband for the early birthday present to go see Kelly! That was the best gift I've received from him since my engagement ring!! I don't care if your five or ninety five, Kelly entertains all of us and is so very deserving of such a wonderful career. She Rocks!!!
Thank you!