Kelly Clarkson, singer-songwriter, discusses her recent divorce and the process of writing about it. Hanif Abdurraqib, a music writer, talks about the craft of songwriting. They explore the challenges of writing about divorce for a well-known celebrity and the relatability of music artists during difficult times. Pulitzer Prize-winning writer, Robert Samuels, shares his love for figure skating as a metaphor for life and writing.
Kelly Clarkson's album 'Chemistry' reflects her honesty and maturity as an artist, showcasing her personal experiences and divorce.
Kelly Clarkson emphasizes the importance of honesty and vulnerability in love songs and finds inspiration in artists like Mary J. Blige.
Deep dives
Kelly Clarkson's Evolution as a Singer-Songwriter
Kelly Clarkson talks about her evolution as a singer-songwriter and how her recent album, Chemistry, reflects the maturity and honesty that comes with age and personal experiences. She discusses how writing metaphorically was a way to hide, but for this album, she felt compelled to be direct and raw due to the deeply personal subject matter of her divorce. Clarkson also emphasizes the importance of honesty and vulnerability in love songs, citing artists like Mary J. Blige as inspirations for their ability to convey genuine emotion in their music.
The Influence of Various Musical Genres on Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson shares her diverse range of musical influences, from Aretha Franklin to Aerosmith, and how these inspirations have shaped her own sound and style as an artist. She expresses her love for different genres and artists, highlighting their impact on her songwriting and performance. Clarkson also discusses her role as a talk show host, where she enjoys showcasing a variety of music and artists, creating a radio station-like experience for her audience.
The Transformative Power of Figure Skating Videos
Robert Samuels, a staff writer for The New Yorker, discusses his fascination with figure skating videos and how they serve as metaphors for life and writing. He shares three captivating moments from different figure skating performances that have become sources of inspiration and motivation for him. Samuels explains how these videos teach him the importance of making progress and pushing oneself to avoid becoming irrelevant in a constantly changing world.
Twenty years after her breakout on “American Idol,” Kelly Clarkson released an album called “Chemistry” that deals with the long arc of a relationship and her recent divorce. She sat down to talk with Hanif Abdurraqib, a music writer passionate about the craft of songwriting. “This literally was written in real time,” Clarkson reflects. “That was me being indecisive. Man, I have kids. Do I want to do this? Can I try again?” But writing about divorce as one of the best-known celebrities in America is very different from a young artist’s heartbreak anthem. “It’s easy to hide in metaphors when it’s not the biggest thing that’s ever happened,” she says. “Everyone’s going to know. Unfortunately my life is very public, especially in the rough times.”
Plus, Robert Samuels, a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer on politics and race, shares his secret indulgence: watching classic figure-skating routines on YouTube.
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