Kelly Clarkson's "chemistry" with Atlantic Records

What's new in the busy and rad world of Kelly Clarkson.

May 06, 2023

Hey fellow Clarkstan! 👋 Welcome to the inaugural edition of NOTHING BUT CLARKSON — a newsletter all about Kelly Clarkson. This week, I share some thoughts on Atlantic Records, news about the next single from “Chemistry,” and a funny post about being a Kelly Clarkson backup singer.

(DON’T) SKIP THIS PART

Some random thoughts from me.

I’m just gonna go out and say it: Atlantic Records is awesome.

Many OG fans know that in her early days, Kelly didn’t always see eye-to-eye with her record label. Her fight with RCA—and with Clive Davis, in particular—is well-documented. It’s no surprise that when her contract expired in 2016, Kelly said “byeeee” to her “arranged marriage” with RCA (her words, not mine) and signed on with Atlantic Records.

During the “Meaning of Life” album cycle, we saw some awesome stuff from Atlantic. Kelly released what is her most ambitious (but also perhaps her weirdest?) video yet: “Love So Soft.” She recorded live performances of her songs during her Nashville Sessions. During this same era, she had some amazing TV appearances and hosting gigs.

While “Meaning of Life” was not the mega-commercial success we all hoped for (it deserved better, TBH), you can’t say Atlantic did not promote that album. Atlantic treated Kelly like the royalty that she is.

Fast forward to today, and Kelly fans are being fed. Leading up to the release of “mine” and “me,” Atlantic teased the lyrics on Spotify and engaged fans on Instagram. At Kelly’s request, they put together Birthday at the Belasco—an intimate live performance of the entire “Chemistry” album—instead of using that same money for music videos. Hey, they even paid for a custom Twitter icon for #mineme and #KellyClarkson!

The difference between the RCA and the Atlantic era is quite stark. It feels like Kelly has creative freedom. It’s a partnership that feels like an actual partnership.

It’s going to be interesting to see what else Atlantic and Kelly’s management has in store in the next few weeks as we get really closer to album release. And regardless of commercial success, what I’m really liking about this era is that Kelly seems in control and is being given the space to express herself as an artist. At this point in her career, I just want Kelly to be able to create work that she’s proud of rather than chasing trends and trying to fit in—and this is something that Atlantic seems to be cool as well.

WHAT’S NEW, CLARKSON?

Notable news about our queen.

The writer’s strike in Hollywood will likely result in the early end of The Kelly Clarkson Show’s season 4. As Bix from Twitter pointed out, the show is yet to have a "normal” season since its debut. Wild! But it’s also very impressive how the staff has been able to adjust to everything that’s been thrown at them. Here’s hoping for a smooth-sailing season 5! (Although, if the rumours are true and the show’s moving to NYC, then that would automatically make season 5 another irregular season. lol)
On this week’s episode of Miss Indepodcast, they put together a roundtable of stans to share their thoughts on the Birthday at the Belasco concert. LISTEN HERE.
We’ve got the first remix of the “Chemistry” era! Check out the Ty Sunderland remix of “mine” on your favorite streaming services. Personally, I like it! It’s dance-y but still keeps the essence and vibe of the song. 🕺😢
YouTubers and podcasters Two Gay Matts shared their review of Birthday at the Belasco and said “Skip This Part” “might be the best song of 2023.”

Rumour has it that we’re getting “favorite kind of high” as the third single from “Chemistry” on May 12. That’s this Friday, folks! People who attended Birthday at the Belasco describe this song as “catchy,” an “uptempo dance hit,” and a bop that “absolutely slaps.” I’m ready to dance, y’all!