When Kelly Clarkson returned to the series finale of American Idol, the show where she began her career after winning the first season in 2002, the judges were expecting her to give the sort of amazing performance they were used to seeing from her. What they were not expecting, however, was for Kelly to deliver a moving original song that would bring the entire audience to its feet.
Kelly chose to perform “Piece By Piece,” a song which she co-wrote with Greg Kurstin. The song lyrics are rooted in Kelly’s past, exploring her ability to love a child and trust a man after overcoming a strained relationship with her father.
“But piece by piece, he collected me up
Off the ground, where you abandoned things
Piece by piece he filled the holes that you burned in me
Six years old and you know
He never walks away
He never asks for money
He takes care of me
He loves me
Piece by piece, he restores my faith
That a man can be kind and the father could, stay”
The song’s meaning and Kelly’s impassioned performance moved many audience members to tears. Judge Keith Urban was especially moved; tears streamed openly down his cheeks as he looked on.
Kelly had a very difficult time getting through the very personal song without breaking down into tears herself, but like the true professional that she is, she managed to finish with style!
The crowd showed her support by chanting her name, and the judges got to their feet to lead the way for a meaningful standing ovation.
This felt like a very personal moment for Kelly, who confessed to feeling extra emotional because she was pregnant with her second child at the time. Watch her spectacular performance below, and be sure to share this song with a friend who knows how powerful music can be.