Let Me Down: Kelly Clarkson Postpones the First Weekend of Studio Sessions in Vegas
Yes, I was in Vegas for the opening weekend of Kelly Clarkson's 2025 Vegas residency. But, no, I did not see her at all. Here's what happened.
Hey fellow Clarkstan! 👋 Welcome to NOTHING BUT CLARKSON — a newsletter all about Emmy and Grammy winner (and rad human) Kelly Clarkson. This week, I’m sharing my personal experience being in Vegas as Kelly cancels the opening weekend of her Vegas residency.
I'm writing this from my hotel room at the LINQ in Vegas. It’s Sunday, July 6.
In another universe, I would’ve seen Kelly Clarkson twice this weekend — both nights from the pit — and I’d probably still be floating. (A Kelly show is, after all, my Favorite Kind of High.) But here we are. I’m still kinda stunned. Sober, TBH. Still processing.
In case you missed it: Kelly postponed the first two shows of her Studio Sessions residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.
Here’s what happened from my POV.
Friday: Can I Skip This Part?
My mom and I were in line — it was her first time in Vegas, and what would’ve been her first Kelly shows. We grabbed a quick dinner (and randomly spotted Aaron, one of Kelly’s backup singers!), then got to the GA line around 6:20 PM.
At 6:30, I had this weird urge to check Instagram — and boom. There it was. Kelly’s announcement:
“We have been working 24/7 to make Studio Sessions the most intimate and extraordinary experience with and for my incredible fans. I am beyond grateful that you always show up for me and I am devastated to have to postpone tonight and tomorrow’s opening at Caesars. The prep and rehearsals have taken a toll on my voice. I want the shows to be perfect for y’all and I need to protect myself from doing serious damage so I am taking this weekend and next week to rest up so that we can deliver what you all deserve. The show is truly incredible. The musicians and singers are outstanding, and I want us all to start out strong. I can’t wait to be back next weekend and show y’all what we’ve been working on.”
My first thought? Not Today… I was speechless. I turned to my mom and said, “The show’s cancelled.”
Some fans had already seen the post; others were still chatting, completely unaware. You could feel the confusion ripple through the crowd. A fan near the front told a staff member — who honestly had no clue at first.
Most of us just... stood there. Hoping it was some weird mix-up. Others did what felt natural at that point: Cry.
Eventually, I saw familiar faces — including Pam from Miss Indepodcast — letting people know. Still no official word from Caesars Palace staff at this point. Finally, around 6:50, employees came out with signs confirming the shows were postponed. It was real. Official. Can I Skip This Part?!?
I turned to my mom: “So... now what?”
My whole Vegas itinerary revolved around seeing Kelly Friday and Saturday, then maybe a Cirque show Sunday. Now two-thirds of the plan was gone.
I said a few quick hellos — familiar faces like Jonathan and Emily — but no one really knew what to say. “Good to see you” felt off. “This sucks” didn’t quite cover it either. You Can’t Win.
Slowly, my mom and I decided to Walk Away and wander around Caesars Palace. She bought a shirt from the merch store; I didn’t, because I wasn’t in the right headspace. (I regret that decision — you’ll see why below. LOL.)
That night felt surreal. Instead of singing along to “Where Have You Been,” we were strolling through overpriced luxury stores. Nothing felt real.
Saturday: My Life Would Suck Without Other Kelly Clarkson Fans
Saturday morning, I went to a taping of Miss Indepodcast. I showed up way too early because I was paranoid I’d get lost. But it ended up being such a good hang. It felt like group therapy — a way for us to process the disappointment and still feel connected to the Kelly Clarkson fandom.
As I shared on Twitter, some highlights for me include:
Jeremy hilariously reenacting how the Caesars staff broke the news 😬
Pam spilling about her hater
Rob’s very hard trivia game
Jodie’s mini fashion show
A full-on brawl over a giant Kezbo shirt (no, it wasn’t just lesbians fighting for it)
Jeremy, Pam and Rob also talked about the postponement, did giveaways, and just gave us space to laugh and vent. I had to leave after the show to meet my mom, so I didn’t mingle much — but I loved seeing the mix in the room. So many lesbians and gay men. But there were some straight folks too. Just a room full of People Like Us.
That afternoon, my mom and I walked the Strip. Weirdly, the sadness didn’t fully hit me until I booked another show for Saturday night. That moment made it official: This trip wasn’t going to include Kelly Clarkson at all.
Sunday: Reflection Mode
On Sunday, we went back to the scene of the crime and walked past the merch store — but this time, it was closed. No second chance for the shirt. (Thankfully, some stuff’s online.)
Would I come back for a rescheduled show? My first honest thought is Never Again. I’m from Canada. West Coast, sure, but it’s still an international trip. And Vegas? Not cheap. Hotels here are out of pocket. Also — hot take — I don’t really like Vegas. It’s too hot, too expensive and too overwhelming. Just not my vibe.
The more I think about it though, the more I am enticed to attempt to come back. Ticketmaster says I’ll get a refund within five days, so at least there’s that. Plus, when I saw her in 2023 (also in Vegas) for her “chemistry” residency, it was honestly one of the best weekends of my life.
If I can make it work for August or November, I’ll try. If not… I’ll chalk it up to a Maybe.
Final Thoughts: What Doesn’t Kill You…
This weekend wasn’t what I pictured. But I’m grateful I got to share it with my mom and help her experience Vegas for the first time. It would’ve been unforgettable with the shows — but we still made memories.
Wishing Kelly a full recovery, of course. Caesars is clearly all in — her face is everywhere. The fans are ready. But more than anything, we want her healthy, strong, and feeling like The War Is Over when she takes the stage.
ONE LAST THING…
Go stream “Where Have You Been” by Kelly Clarkson on your favorite streaming app!