“At 6AM, She Did That?” – Kelly Clarkson’s Insane High Note on the Today Show Shakes Rockefeller Plaza
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In the heart of New York City, before most people had even poured their morning coffee, Kelly Clarkson electrified Rockefeller Plaza with a jaw-dropping live performance that had fans questioning reality—“Did she really just hit that note at 6 a.m.?” The answer, shouted loud and clear by an awestruck crowd and a buzzing internet: absolutely, and she nailed it.
On May 6, 2025, Clarkson kicked off the 2025 Citi Concert Series on NBC’s Today Show with her latest single, “Where Have You Been,” a powerful ballad inspired by a tender moment in the Hulu series Only Murders in the Building. The song, released just four days earlier, had already begun to generate buzz online—but nothing prepared fans for the raw emotion and vocal mastery she brought to the outdoor stage.
Dressed in a sleek black outfit with a guitar slung over her shoulder, Clarkson delivered a performance that was both intimate and explosive. As the sun rose over Manhattan, she poured every ounce of her soul into the song’s climactic high note—an effortlessly sustained crescendo that sent literal chills through the crowd and set social media ablaze.
X (formerly Twitter) lit up within minutes of the broadcast. One fan wrote, “Kelly Clarkson hitting that note in ‘Where Have You Been’ like it’s nothing first thing in the morning on the Today Show. What a Queen.” Another simply screamed in all caps, “KELLY CLARKSON NAILING THE HIGH NOTE IN ‘WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN’ AT 6AM!!!! SHE IS INSANE 😭.” That sentiment was echoed by hundreds who shared clips, memes, and emotional reactions, praising her for setting a new bar for live morning performances.
The moment wasn’t just a testament to Clarkson’s enduring vocal talent—it was a reminder of her authenticity and passion. There was no autotune, no lip-syncing, no pre-recorded help. Just a woman with a microphone, a guitar, and a voice powerful enough to stop time.
Following her performance, Clarkson took a moment to connect with fans and share news about her upcoming plans. She revealed that she’s working on more new music and hinted that she may release it as singles rather than a traditional album. She also announced a brand-new Vegas residency, Studio Sessions, set to debut at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace this July. Unlike any of her past shows, this residency will be completely track-free and feature a large live ensemble, giving fans a unique, behind-the-scenes experience of how her music comes to life.
As the 2025 Citi Concert Series celebrates its 30th anniversary, Kelly Clarkson’s performance set the tone for the season—and possibly for the year. One fan summed it up best: “Thirty years of concerts, and she just made it feel brand new.”
Indeed, Clarkson didn’t just sing at 6 a.m.—she reminded the world why she’s still one of the greatest voices of our time.
