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Kelly Clarkson performed new songs from Piece by Piece as well as older hits during her Aug. 19 show. (Zavia Ahmed / LOL-LA)

Every so often an artist comes along with a voice and talent like no other. Since the first season of the reality competition show “American Idol,” three-time Grammy award winning artist Kelly Clarkson has entertained audiences with her soulful voice and energetic performances. The powerhouse that is Kelly Clarkson made a stop at the Staples Center for her Piece by Piece tour. With a whopping seven albums released over the last 12 years, her fan base has grown from her early beginnings in 2002 to include a new generation of music lovers.

I was able to catch one of her amazing opening acts last night, Grammy-award winning a cappella group Pentatonix. I am truly amazed by these five vocalists and how they can recreate songs using no back-up track or instruments to engage audiences with a phenomenal performance. In comparison with the film Pitch Perfect I’ve never seen a live performance that has showcased the vocal talents of what people are capable of [Fun fact: Pentatonix actually appears as the competing group from Canada in Pitch Perfect 2.]. There are many entertainers in the music industry that rely on sound mixing to edit weak pitches and out-of-tune melodies, but it’s simply not a problem for this group of talented musicians. It was a delightful set to watch with performances of the band’s original songs and covers ranging from the King of Pop to Daft Punk. Attendees were up on their feet singing and clapping along to their hour-long performance, and I don’t blame them because I was one of them.

The excitement built up when the building turned down the lights, anticipating Clarkson’s entrance to the stage. There were mirrors and lights that shined and reflected onto the smiling faces of her eager fans. I was one of the many audience members that squealed and jumped a bit when the bright lights shined upon Clarkson herself. She performed songs from her newest album, Piece by Piece, and instantly became emotional with happy tears streaming down her face when she performed one of the tracks. She quickly apologized to the audience as to why she felt that way. She then made a surprising announcement that she was pregnant with a second child. Emotional tears quickly rolled down my face as she performed an acoustic version of one of my favorite songs, “Breakaway.”

Clarkson then transitioned from one song to another by performing one of the best breakup songs of all time, “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You).” Audience members were up on their feet as she ended her set with “Since U Been Gone.” It was a strong finale that left her fans singing even as they walked out of the venue.

It was my first time seeing Clarkson perform live since 2003, and it was such a nostalgic moment that brought back memories from over the years. The unstoppable Kelly Clarkson is still bringing out all the hits after all this time. With a new member of her growing family on the way, hopefully we’ll be seeing even more of Clarkson in the future.

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