Kelly Clarkson: Photos from Denver’s Pepsi Center Concert

It still amazes me when I think about it, how the world would probably not have a super star like Kelly Clarkson without American Idol. It’s been 15 years now, and the lady and made such a huge mark on the music industry; it’s seriously impressive. Yet until her recent visit to Denver’s Pepsi Center, I had not seen her live, much less photographed her. Kelly did not disappoint.

You expect a big show in a big venue by a big star. The stage and lighting effects were there. The large and talented band was there. I lost count of the wardrobe changes, but there were many (and all the more impressive since she revealed a few shows later that she is pregnant again). But the thing about Kelly is she seems to have not lost her sense of real-people. She may have one of the best voices ever, but she also has a personality that is just plain entertaining and interesting. All this comes together into a perfect package for a great concert.

There were three opening bands: Abi Ann, Eric Hutchinson and Pentatonix. (We did shoot them from up front, yay!).

Abi Ann is a young gal from Nashville and held her own in such a huge venue. My big surprise during her set? Tim Bruns (formerly of Denver band Churchill) was playing guitar for her!

I had seen Eric Hutchinson before and love him. He sounded great, but again placed himself behind the keyboards on the opposite side of the stage from photographers for the first two songs, and the lights were so strong on him – he basically looked like a white ghost outline in the distance. Eric came out later and sang a duet with Kelly that was amazing. I tweeted at the time that they should record a whole album together.

Pentatonix is really not my thing, but I have to admit this group is very talented. They had the crowd going nuts, which was almost as fun to watch as the singers.

All in all, a great night. I loved how Kelly interjected her songs with stories and humor, but of course showed off her amazing pipes. Exactly what you want from a big star.

Abi Ann

Eric Hutchinson

Pentatonix

Kelly Clarkson