Kelly Clarkson Gets Emotional While Introducing Olivia Rodrigo to Superfans

Kelly Clarkson and Olivia Rodrigo recently teamed up to make fans’ dreams come true. While Rodrigo was a guest on Tuesday’s episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show, the Grammy winners surprised a few of Rodrigo’s superfans as they shared how her latest album, “Guts”, impacted them. 

“I have a disability called cerebral palsy, which limits my mobility,” shared Makayla Lee, who brought with her a key to her new apartment where she is living on her own for the first time in her life.

“Growing up, I wasn’t sure if or when I would be able to live independently. And it makes me think of Olivia’s song, "Ballad of a Homeschooled Girl," because in that song, she talks about feeling insecure, anxious, after growing up sheltered, and I definitely relate to that.” 

Lee then went on to explain that Rodrigo’s music has helped her through many challenges, and  was pleasantly interrupted as Clarkson stepped through the curtain behind her and introduced Rodrigo. 

Visibly surprised and emotional, Lee shared a hug with Rodrigo while Clarkson began to fan her face as her eyes welled up with tears. 

“I feel empowered listening to your story. I think that is so incredible and I admire you so much for that,” Rodrigo told Lee. “That’s not an easy feat. I’m so proud of you.” 

Next was a fan named Jasmine, who brought to set a boarding pass that represented her “gutsy” move of confronting the mother of a potential love interest who had wronged her. She said she was inspired by Rodrigo’s song "Get Him Back," in which she sings “I wanna meet his mom and tell her her son sucks.” 

Lastly, a woman named Cassie brought with her a receipt from her college dining hall where she met her now-husband, Chase, who she was once too scared to pursue a relationship with due to fear of her religious family not accepting them together. 

“I’m so honored to meet you right now, Olivia,” she told the singer as they held hands and Clarkson watched on, visibly moved. “I’m so proud of you. You are doing such amazing things and I love your music so much. So many girls out there, people of all genders and ages, are so lucky to have you in this industry, to see what you do for them and your vulnerability and your passion, and I’m just so honored to tell you this.” 

The three fans then enjoyed the opportunity to sit in the studio audience to watch Rodrigo and Clarkson tape the daytime talk show, where Rodrigo told them how touched she was by their presence and personal stories.