Kelly Clarkson Covers ‘What It Sounds Like’ From ‘KPop Demon Hunters’

Kelly Clarkson channeled the power of finding her voice into her rendition of “What It Sounds Like” from KPop Demon Hunters on the latest episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show.

The host skipped over selecting the obvious choice from the popular film, the award-winning breakout hit “Golden.” Instead, her Kellyoke pick gets a little more gritty and emotional as Clarkson performs with My Band Y’all. The cover leads with a simple piano melody before ramping up into an explosive pop-rock release.

In time with the KPop Demon Hunters cover, Clarkson welcomed actress Arden Cho to the show. Cho voices Rumi in the movie, while songwriter EJAE provides the character’s singing voice. “You have been such a big part of my life,” Cho told Clarkson in a teary-eyed exchange about how songs like “Because of You” and “Since U Been Gone” carried her through her twenties. “It’s been my dream to meet you.”

KPop Demon Hunters has similarly provided fans with a sense of support and comfort. On Sunday, “Golden” was awarded Best Original Song, Motion Picture, at the 2026 Golden Globes. It made EJAE the first Korean-American to be awarded in the show’s history. “It’s a dream come true to be part of a song that is helping other girls, other boys, and everyone of all ages to get through hardship and accept themselves,” she said in her acceptance speech. “So thank you, Golden Globes, for accepting my voice and our voice.”

This week marks Clarkson’s first back at The Kelly Clarkson Show since signing off for the holidays. She first returned with the Kellyoke pick “No One Else Like Me” by The Red Clay Strays, followed by “What It Sounds Like.” The next episode of the series will feature Clarkson’s rendition of “I Wish I Knew How to Quit You” by Sombr.