Beyond the Studio: Brandi Carlile Teases “Out of Control” Live ‘Kellyoke’ as Kelly Clarkson Joins Girls Just Wanna Weekend 2027
Kelly Clarkson may have formally concluded her award-winning daytime television run, but the signature musical segment that defined her show isn’t retiring anytime soon. Multiple Grammy winner Brandi Carlile has revealed that Clarkson will be joining her on stage in early 2027—teasing an ambitious live reinvention of Clarkson’s beloved cover-song tradition, “Kellyoke.”
Carlile announced that Clarkson will perform at the upcoming edition of Girls Just Wanna Weekend, the all-inclusive destination festival returning to Mexico from January 14–18, 2027. Headlined by Carlile and roots music sensation Sierra Ferrell, the multi-day gathering celebrates women and nonbinary artists through intimate concerts, beachside jams, and collaborative performances.
“The Kellyoke This Year Will Be Out of Control”
Taking to Instagram to celebrate Clarkson’s addition to the bill, Carlile dropped an immediate hint about their collaborative plans:
“The Kellyoke this year will be out of control.”
Across seven seasons of The Kelly Clarkson Show, the “Kellyoke” cold-open became a viral cultural phenomenon. The daily segment allowed Clarkson to display her vocal dexterity across virtually every genre, tackling everything from Coldplay and Aerosmith to Whitney Houston, Billie Eilish, and Celine Dion.
Bringing that freewheeling, cover-heavy energy to a live festival setting gives Clarkson a creative playground free from television runtime constraints, commercial breaks, and broadcast clearances.
Stepping Away from Daytime to Reclaim the Stage
The timing of the festival booking highlights a clear transition in Clarkson’s career:
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The Talk Show Finale: Clarkson officially wrapped up The Kelly Clarkson Show on August 31 after seven successful seasons and multiple Daytime Emmy Awards.
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Prioritizing Family and Music: The host chose not to renew her syndication contract in order to step away from the grueling daily studio taping schedule and spend more dedicated time with her two children.
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Uninterrupted Artistry: Despite walking away from daytime TV, Clarkson reiterated that she had no intention of stepping away from the microphone or recording studio. Her appearance in Mexico marks one of her first major announced live performance bookings since ending her daily broadcast routine.
A Star-Studded Lineup in Quintana Roo
The 2027 edition of Girls Just Wanna Weekend features an expansive lineup of critically acclaimed singer-songwriters, bands, and instrumentalists:
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Headliners: Brandi Carlile, Kelly Clarkson, and Sierra Ferrell
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Featured Performers: The Beaches, CMAT, Allison Russell, Brandy Clark, Lucius, and SistaStrings
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Festival Format: In addition to main-stage sets, the event features intimate acoustic sessions, workshops, and unannounced guest sit-ins, providing the ideal backdrop for spontaneous on-stage collaborations between Clarkson and Carlile.
While organizers have yet to reveal whether Clarkson will stage a standalone, all-cover “Kellyoke” showcase or weave unexpected duets into a traditional festival set, Carlile’s teaser signals that festival attendees should expect a series of one-of-a-kind vocal showcases on the Mexican coast.
