Kelly Clarkson Reveals Why She Waits Until Showtime to Pick Her Outfits

Kelly Clarkson is keeping it real when it comes to getting dressed for the stage.

The Grammy winner, 44, recently revealed why she doesn’t decide what she’ll wear until the day of a performance. During a conversation with Seth Meyers on The Late Show on Monday, Sept. 21, Clarkson explained that her outfit choice depends entirely on how she feels that day.

The topic came up after Meyers brought up Clarkson’s upcoming Stagecoach 2027 debut. After being announced as part of the festival lineup for the first time, Clarkson was asked what kind of look she planned to bring to the country music event.

Her answer? She has absolutely no idea yet.

“Probably, man… no,” Clarkson joked when Meyers asked whether she would dress differently for Stagecoach.

She went on to explain that her stage style can change dramatically depending on her mood. One night, she might feel like wearing sequins and going all out, while another night she could just want jeans and a T-shirt.

“I don’t know where I’m at that day, Seth. I don’t know what I feel,” she explained.

When Meyers asked if she really waits until the day of the show to decide, Clarkson confirmed that she does.

“Pretty much,” she said, explaining that her team typically brings around five completely different outfit options.

And there’s another very relatable factor that can influence her final choice.

“I might be bloated, Seth!” Clarkson joked.

She added that she usually makes the decision based on whatever mood she happens to be in that day, embracing the unpredictability rather than committing to one look in advance.

That approach could make her Stagecoach debut especially interesting.

The Stagecoach 2027 lineup was announced Sept. 14, with the festival scheduled for April 23-25 in Indio, California. Riley Green, Zach Top and Garth Brooks are set to headline, while Clarkson joins a diverse lineup featuring artists from country, rock, pop, Latin, reggae and other genres.

Other performers include HARDY, Willie Nelson & Family, Brothers Osborne, Shaboozey, Dasha, Stella Lefty, Stephen Wilson Jr., Journey, Pitbull, Carín León, Matchbox Twenty and Cameron Whitcomb.

Clarkson is also entering another major chapter in her career. Her talk show ended Aug. 31 after seven seasons, while she recently returned for her 11th season as a coach on The Voice. This season’s coaching lineup also includes Adam Levine, Queen Latifah and Riley Green.

Looking back on her career, Clarkson has said she finds fulfillment in sharing what she has learned with others trying to build a life in music.

She famously got her start after winning the first season of American Idol, and she has reflected on how different her early career might have felt with the right mentor by her side.

Asked what advice she would have given herself at that time, Clarkson offered a simple message: “Don’t be so fearful when you’re walking in that room.”