While Gabby Samone competed on season 23 of “American Idol” in 2025, singing her way into the Top 7, she had superstar “Idol” alums cheering her on, from Jennifer Hudson to judge Carrie Underwood. Now, she has the show’s original winner, Kelly Clarkson, in her corner, too.
On January 14, 2026, Samone appeared on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” to debut her first single, “Complicated,” and blew Clarkson away.
Kelly Clarkson Jokes She’ll Never Try to Cover Gabby Samone’s New Single
Though Clarkson typically covers a song for her “Kellyoke” segment, she gave Samone the stage instead on January 14 to sing her new tune with Clarkson’s house band, including background singer Jessi Collins, backing her up. The 22-year-old soul singer from Baltimore sang the complex tune flawlessly, leaving Clarkson in awe.
At the end, Clarkson walked onstage and said, “I don’t think people understand, like, you can wail and do the big things … which is a lot easier than all that breathiness. I was feeling sorry for Jessi back there — I was like, ‘Oh my god!'”
Clarkson continued, “The intensity, the breath control you have for all that soft stuff in the verses? It’s so untouchable. You’re like a master at it. It’s incredible. Your range is incredible.”
Samone thanked Clarkson but countered, “Miss Kelly, you’re the master,” and bowed down to her.
“If you want to know what song I will not be covering on this show, that is it,” Clarkson joked. “I need more cardio to get there!”
Kelly Clarkson Wishes Gabby Samone Well ‘From One Idol Kid to Another’
After singing Samone’s praises, Clarkson said, “You have an exciting year ahead — tell everybody!”
Samone beamed, “First of all, I’m starting my year off on ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show!’ So that’s already crazy.”
“But I am dropping music for the first time since ‘American Idol,'” she continued, “and I’m really excited to share who I am as an artist and just get vulnerable and just share who I am and what I’ve been through. So I have a big year ahead of me, dropping music all year.”
During her journey on “American Idol,” Samone shared that she had survived homelessness and came from a family of eight kids and a mom who was still willing to help anyone who needed it.
Clarkson sweetly told her, “Congratulations from one ‘Idol’ kid to another. I’m very happy for you. I can’t wait to see the rest of your career and how you flourish.”
Samone’s first single, “Complicated,” will be available everywhere on January 16.
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WATCH: Kelly Clarkson Calls ‘American Idol’ Alum Gabby Samone ‘Untouchable’ After Hearing Her Sing