Kelly Clarkson took a break from her hosting duties at the Billboard Music Awards on Sunday night (May 20) to remind the packed auditorium of her own vocal powerhouse.
"You ain't know? Texas women do it bigger," the 36-year-old belted, kicking off a rousing rendition of "Whole Lotta Woman," the female-empowering ballad off her 2017 album The Meaning of Life that finds the singer comparing herself to a "warm biscuit" and "pot full of grits." Clarkson lived up to her initial promise as the performance only grew bigger and better, with the OG American Idol champ showing off her full vocal range while strutting the stage in a shimmery, gold fringe dress and high-heeled booties.
Even the famously hard-to-please Simon Cowell, once Clarkson's own Idol judge, gave his compliments. "Fantastic, I'm very proud of you," Cowell offered, taking the stage as a presenter following her performance.