Kelly Clarkson - "Stronger" - Oct. 24

[Deleted]

Didn't see that coming at all, but it surely is welcome. Will definitely watch X Factor on Wednesday.

[Jack]

I'm guessing 'Kill' is going to go for adds next week. "Freeze" be damned.

[Peterawr]

Ok, so that was actually a pretty awesome choice... two songs in one week will have people talking.

Every time I look up the "best/worst" performances from AMAs, Kelly is always near the top which is SO exciting. Non-fans love it. We were all skeptical just because she wasn't performing WDKY so it seemed nothing she did with MrKIA would be good enough. But what that really means is you're not good enough, you're not good enough (couldn't help myself, it works).

Oh, and we are doing the exact thing that Mr. Know it All is about. We are thinking that we know everything about her career and the absolute best things for it and we know when things are going to go wrong/right. We don't know exactly what goes on behind the scenes, if Kelly even wanted to perform WDKY that last night.

[dbhmr]

Kelly made EW's top 10 AMA moments, and though they aren't ranked, she is the first picture shown:

Most Pleasant Surprise
Offering up a big band retool of her single ''Mr. Know It All,'' Kelly Clarkson revisited the magic that first got America's attention during her victorious season on American Idol. From her throwback styling to her timeless power riffs (and even a Newsies reference for good measure!), Clarkson was easily one of the night's standout performances.
www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20302134_20547460,00.html

[nightshade]

WOW. I am bowing to RCA. WDKY this week. how amazing is that?! I am surprised they are actually thinking! I am beyond ready for WDKY to slay.

[dbhmr]

Long review on Yahoo's Music page that is critical of a lot of performances, but had this to say about Kelly:

J.Lo, Christina, and Justin Add Embarrassment and Spice to AMAs
By Chris Willman | And The WInner Is...

For an actual, unequivocal highlight, you would have to go to Kelly Clarkson's radical rethink of her own "Mr. Know-It-All." Jamming her curves into a tight, floor-length red dress and donning a vintage fishtail hairdo, it at first appeared as if Clarkson might be "appearing in the role of Adele this evening," as they like to say in the theater.

And that impression didn't entirely go away, as Clarkson sang in more of an R&B style than usual, though the arrangement bore little resemblance to anything Clarkson or Adele would usually do. Her recent single had been turned into a sort of nostalgic jump-blues number, complete with a horn section. The newsboy extras surrounding her were a little, well, Newsies, as many Twitterers pointed out. But "Mr. Know-It-All" actually sounded better in this stylistically wild remake than it did on record, and Clarkson briefly threatened to class up the joint... even if it was clear this inexplicable outbreak of live singing could never last.

music.yahoo.com/blogs/awards/j-lo....-075659787.html

[james]

I honestly think they should of dropped this album next week. MKIA would of peaked. WDKY could of been performed at the AMA's & X Factor & she would of had serious momentum going through peak sales periods. For a fourth quarter release of an album ready in March, I don't think they have planned the album positioning very well at all. Sales wouldn't of differed greatly if at all with an early year release. In fact she probably would of been on to single #3 to pick up Christmas sales anyway.

MKIA it all was never a song designed to compete in the current pop landscape. It would of always performed well on HAC, so I really don't understand the whole idea of "entering the market where there is less competition"

[Treacherous]

Nov 21, 2011 10:37:13 GMT -5 franklin said:

Awesome! I think it was nice to give Mr. Know It All one last push (o how opinions change). It never got the kind of promotion it did in the States compared to World Wide. Plus now everyone will have two songs fresh in their minds right before Black Friday, Mr. Know It All from the AMAs and Kill on X-Factor. Isn't that what we've been wanting!?

Hopefully she 'kills' this Wednesday!

This might be the smartest thing I've ever heard on this board. SO TRUE!

[bb]

Nov 21, 2011 10:46:41 GMT -5 dbhmr said:

Loved that performance. How often have a lot of us wished for her to go big at an award show and do something different? I just can't express enough how pleased I am with everything that has happened this era--she's just so into it. And she looked amazing.

It's a weird feeling watching the performance and being so pleased with it and then coming to Pulse. I understand when fans say they've earned their high expectations--certainly true--but I don't believe there would have been a performance of MKIA in the world that would have been good enough, because we had decided that this was the perfect launching pad for WDKY. There are, as usual, so many factors we don't know. If she is indeed performing WDKY at X Factor, I think we can say with near certainty that performing MKIA was out of her control. These shows do have a say in the performances--they have to be cleared by producers, and it was common not too long ago that the producers almost always required lip syncing (much like the Superbowl), but that has sort of eroded. Anyway, they do have some say over things, so it's always a possibility that they asked her to sing her current single, and to try and not blow the promo spot, she decided to go outside her comfort zone and do something "big" with the performance of a song that looked past its peak.

But, my frustration was much more palpable last night, and I'm glad I didn't post. It seems that people have watched again with claws retracted and enjoyed the performance outside the context of what they think she should have done. I've definitely been guilty of that fan reaction in the past, but I'm having a hard time justifying it this time around. With the exception of adds dates timing, everything this era has gone exactly as any of us (it seems to me) would have killed for any of her post-Breakaway eras to go. She looks great, sounds great, it's a great album, and she has had lots of great avenues to promote it. She's changing things up with her performances and music videos. She's getting a Q4 release. I know everyone knows this, and I'm not saying this from a "ENJOY IT MY WAY" type of place, I just think, when we get an era like this, we should enjoy it, and resist the temptation to hold every single move against an impossible standard of nothing less than absolutely, 100% what we, as individual fans, want. Little will measure up.

If not, though, I'll just continue to have a blast with this era with yoKC and a handful of others.

Okay, here's the thing. I don't want to argue with you AT ALL because you're such a reasonable and intelligent poster, and I'm terrible at arguing my point and I'm such a newbie. I personally enjoyed the performance a lot, and I was glad to see MKIA given a final push out to sea. I was never a MKIA supporter, and had they not announced WDKY(S)'s performance on X Factor, I would've continued to be unhappy with the AMA decision.

But at the same time, saying that people aren't having a blast with the era like you and yoKC and others isn't really accurate. I personally find it enjoyable to find the flaws in the plan and then see it all work out: maybe it's a pessimistic view, but when things aren't working it's the fans that are the ones that notice first, which makes our "job" so valuable. I love when I'm unhappy with something Kelly or Adele or Pink does, and the next day I wake up and realize it was an amazing plan.

So in essence I'm not disagreeing with what you're saying, but stressing the fact that just because some of us complain (I am one of the perpetrators!) doesn't mean we're appreciating the era any less. While I'm ecstatic for you because you maintain such a positive attitude, I feel that I (and other posters, presumably, but I don't speak for them) am appreciating it also , despite feeling discouraged. I personally loved MKIA's last performance.

I'm sorry if this sounds petty. I really don't intend it that way, and if this comes across as rude in ANY way I apologize profusely, because you are such a knowledgeable and dedicated fan and I would never want to offend anyone.

[Hook]

VH1 included Kelly in their list of "Ten Helpful Conversation Starters If You Missed The 2011 American Music Awards"

www.vh1.com/music/tuner/nggallery/post/ten-helpful-conversation-starters-if-you-missed-the-2011-american-music-awards/image/49602



DID KELLY CLARKSON WANDER ONTO THE SET OF A NEWSIES REBOOT BY ACCIDENT?

No, she did not. She did, however, perform some sort of Mumford-ized version of her new hit single, "Mr. Know It All," that was part jazz, part ragtime and part Bad Idea Jeans. We prefer her Unplugged version, natch!

[james]

Here is the major argument people:

MKIA was #24 before the AMA's and #17 afterwards; which records in just a twenty four hour rotation. That jump is not significant, in fact it is probably as small as 1,000 - 3,000 digital copies.

WDKY has been constantly climbing the charts on the basis on an advert, without radio or promotional support. Had WDKY been performed its boost would of been significantly higher than a song that has already received heavy promotion. Through all the MKIA performances (bar the Australian promo run) MKIA has not significantly benefited from highly exposed television performances. Take Dancing with the Stars as an example. Also the song is not shifting albums. Look here at all markets, domestic & international.

Take some of the American Idol performances - the performance alone sometimes related to shifts of upwards of 100% for digital tracks & significant album boosts. These opportunities are fairly rare and fans have the right to point that out.

[dbhmr]

While WDKY probably would have got more of a boost because of its "newness," it's important to also point out that none of the performer's songs seem to have received huge boosts.

As for bb, your response is perfectly valid. My final line was more in jest than the rest of the post, and your "newness" doesn't render your opinion or posts any less worthy. In fact, your Pulse introduction rivals Touch the Fire Twice's in terms of quality, so no need to worry on that front. I'm just glad that there's so much to enjoy and discuss this era.

[bb]

Nov 21, 2011 18:02:54 GMT -5 dbhmr said:

While WDKY probably would have got more of a boost because of its "newness," it's important to also point out that none of the performer's songs seem to have received huge boosts.

As for bb, your response is perfectly valid. My final line was more in jest than the rest of the post, and your "newness" doesn't render your opinion or posts any less worthy. In fact, your Pulse introduction rivals Touch the Fire Twice's in terms of quality, so no need to worry on that front. I'm just glad that there's so much to enjoy and discuss this era.

Thank you so much... I was worried I was a little too forward. All of you are so knowledgeable on here, it's intimidating.

I'm really psyched for X-Factor. She's going to nail it, I can feel it. I hope she saves her voice though: it's a "beast of a song", to use Kelly's phrase. Maybe, and this is just speculation, they hadn't hammered out the rough spots in "What Doesn't Kill You (Stronger)" and therefore decided to go for MKIA, which is an easier song to sing [although, I've tried it, and it's ANOTHER beast!!]

[dbhmr]

I also read on another board in reference to the AMA rehearsal that Kelly didn't sing much one of the rehearsals because she was so tired from the WDKY shoot the day before. They were obviously planning on singing MKIA anyway by that point, but may explain why she was a bit raspier than usual. I hope she gets the rest she needs for Wednesday.

[bb]

Nov 21, 2011 18:15:07 GMT -5 dbhmr said:

I also read on another board in reference to the AMA rehearsal that Kelly didn't sing much one of the rehearsals because she was so tired from the WDKY shoot the day before. They were obviously planning on singing MKIA anyway by that point, but may explain why she was a bit raspier than usual. I hope she gets the rest she needs for Wednesday.

That's interesting. Of course, she sounded great, but we've all heard when she sounds AMAZING and last night wasn't quite one of those nights. I hope we don't get an acoustic performance, much as I loved the Unplugged version. X-Factor is another good launching pad, and it'll serve her well to have a big and fantastic performance, especially since Simon and Paula's inescapable standing ovation will help sell the song a bit too.

Just a note: the AMA's drew 12 million viewers, and X Factor averages about 10 million, so not a HUGE difference, especially since Kelly doesn't have as much competition (just Bruno Mars, and the premier of WDKY will likely bring more hype than yet another Bruno performance)

[Jack]

I think the fans' Council to Kelly, Danny, stepped in and ensured they performed What Doesn't Kill You on X Factor.

He's being humble, but I'll be the farm we have him to thank.

[ƒreakshow]

I'm so unbelievably happy to hear about the WDKY on X-Factor news. Finally this promo is being put to good use instead of showcasing a dead song that has barely helped the album.

Even if WDKY doesn't receive an adds date until the new year, it's still good to get the song out there and expose it to the public at this time of year. It's doing incredibly well on iTunes already, especially when you consider it having no airplay and the fact that Kelly's digital sales aren't always the highest. It's not going to hurt if it gets a small push now before things really get moving, even if that happens as late as January. I guess Team Kelly hasn't done such a bad job with this after all.

[bigb0882]

A great X Factor performance could put WDKY very near the top 10 on iTunes without any radio play. Hopefully it will remain high and then blow up when radio takes hold. I can easily see this being her highest Hot 100 charting single since Suck.

[bb]

Nov 21, 2011 18:48:17 GMT -5 bigb0882 said:

A great X Factor performance could put WDKY very near the top 10 on iTunes without any radio play. Hopefully it will remain high and then blow up when radio takes hold. I can easily see this being her highest Hot 100 charting single since Suck.

I think that's a really good point. Not releasing it now might actually give it more traction and longevity. It hasn't burned on me yet, but I know after a while of hearing "My Life Would Suck Without You" for more than a week, I was sick of it. It's a cool strategy: people start buying it from promo on the X-Factor, Divas, and Jingle Ball, and then she unleashes it right after Christmas and it can be the single of Q1 easily.

[bb]

Another great MKIA performance from Germany Unplugged: it's old, so probably has already been posted. I just love the way her hand is in her pocket and she's singing amazingly. Girl makes it look so easy.

(*She's also rocking a sparkly jacket LOL and looks amazing with some brunette hair!*)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ud9wHOgI5zY&feature=related

[dhilamilan1899]

Guys, i think i know the ANSWER

WHY KC NOT PERFORM WDKY?

Becoz, FIAT (brand of car) booking for commercial ads in AMA 2011. u can see Jlo performance. She is new FIAT brand ambasador. Thats why kelly CAN NOT perform WDKY! WDKY is anthem fo TOYOTA. So, they can not put together more than one brand of car. FIAT want exclusive ads. make sanse?
why not sing wdky..?!

[ificanthaveyou]

I love that she is performing WDKY on X-Factor. Even if it doesn't get an adds date til 2012, a killer performance can hopefully propel the song to the top ten on itunes, and remain there until the big week when everyone uses their gift cards after Christmas. This can very well be one of the songs that sells over 300,000+ that week, which is really exciting.

[Deleted]

The Toyota/Fiat thing makes sense to me... ABC could not show advertisements for both.

[dhilamilan1899]

must be one of them Toyota or FIAT

maybe FIAT booking first before other..


although, WDKY its TOYOTA anthem. WDKY its commercial ads for new car of TOYOTA. Like Jlo song PAPI. Commercial ads for FIAT.

[Deleted]

Nov 21, 2011 22:20:19 GMT -5 ificanthaveyou said:

a killer performance can hopefully propel the song to the top ten on itunes, and remain there until the big week when everyone uses their gift cards after Christmas.

These expectations/predictions/estimations/whatever sound extremely lofty. The performance can only help, but that much? Top ten for the entire month? I highly doubt that.

[james]

Nov 21, 2011 22:20:19 GMT -5 ificanthaveyou said:

I love that she is performing WDKY on X-Factor. Even if it doesn't get an adds date til 2012, a killer performance can hopefully propel the song to the top ten on itunes, and remain there until the big week when everyone uses their gift cards after Christmas. This can very well be one of the songs that sells over 300,000+ that week, which is really exciting.

Performances can do a lot, but those are some ridiculous expectations lol. I don't think MLWSWY ever sold over 300,000 copies in one week and that had heavy radio play and promotion.

I think the best we can hope for is a week inside the top 30, if no radio play is present. Otherwise this could easily go top 10 by the end of the year.

[neally]

Nov 21, 2011 22:40:40 GMT -5 @dawson said:

Nov 21, 2011 22:20:19 GMT -5 ificanthaveyou said:

a killer performance can hopefully propel the song to the top ten on itunes, and remain there until the big week when everyone uses their gift cards after Christmas.

These expectations/predictions/estimations/whatever sound extremely lofty. The performance can only help, but that much? Top ten for the entire month? I highly doubt that.

Let's have some fun: 'Kill' is now at #65 on iTunes USA, Where do you think 'Kill' will peak post-X Factor performance ?

[Erik]

Isn't there also Divas, 836492 Jingle Balls and the music video to come? Could all potentially help it digitally.

Not saying anything huge, but they could all help it sell well over the holidays and not just drop after the X-Factor performance.

[dhilamilan1899]

The promo this era has been really great. I'm enjoying every minute of it!!!!!!!!

[ificanthaveyou]

Nov 21, 2011 23:43:28 GMT -5 james said:

Nov 21, 2011 22:20:19 GMT -5 ificanthaveyou said:

I love that she is performing WDKY on X-Factor. Even if it doesn't get an adds date til 2012, a killer performance can hopefully propel the song to the top ten on itunes, and remain there until the big week when everyone uses their gift cards after Christmas. This can very well be one of the songs that sells over 300,000+ that week, which is really exciting.

Performances can do a lot, but those are some ridiculous expectations lol. I don't think MLWSWY ever sold over 300,000 copies in one week and that had heavy radio play and promotion.

I think the best we can hope for is a week inside the top 30, if no radio play is present. Otherwise this could easily go top 10 by the end of the year.

Uh, MLWSWY was released a few weeks after the big post-Christmas week. It wasn't even out there to get those sales. And I said *hopefully* which means I don't know for sure but it would be great if it happened. I'm hoping for a "VMA Someone Like You" affect, where the song is noticed by a wide audience and the performance garners a lot of attention for it.