Kelly Clarkson’s Bakkt Theater performance with her kids was a heartwarming family moment

Kelly Clarkson’s live trio performance of her classic hit “Heartbeat Song” was a memorable occasion, as she brought together her 9-year-old daughter River Rose and son Remington “Remy” Alexander. The family trio took the stage at Clarkson’s Bakkt Theater show in Las Vegas, Nevada, delivering a heartfelt rendition of the synth-pop song.

Since “Heartbeat Song” is River Rose’s favorite, she joined her mother on stage, blending her voice with Clarkson’s. Clarkson selected this song for the performance, and Remy, appearing to be a natural, seemed unfazed by the large audience in attendance.

Watch the video below to witness this lovely family moment.

Clarkson shared with the crowd that River Rose has been rocking to this song since she was a toddler, expressing her love for it. When asked which song she wanted to perform on tour, River Rose eagerly chose “Heartbeat Song” and even asked, “Please let me sing this song.” The proud mother noted that River Rose picked out her own outfit for the occasion and praised her daughter’s performance, saying she “killed it” during soundcheck.

Fans expressed their admiration for the mother-daughter duo, commenting on the special moment by saying things like, “That’s a moment she will never forget.” Another fan added, “A star is born! River Rose gained the courage to stand up and sing passionately thanks to Kelly. Kelly, that’s what we adore about you!” The next night, Clarkson invited River Rose to sing again during her residency, and this time, her 7-year-old brother Remington Alexander also joined in for added charm.

Clarkson’s two children, River Rose and Remington Alexander, were born from her marriage to her former manager, Brandon Blackstock. The couple, who married on October 20, 2013, welcomed River Rose in June 2014 and Remington Alexander in April 2016. Their divorce, finalized in March 2022, followed a lengthy legal process that captured media attention.

“Heartbeat Song,” the lead single from Clarkson’s seventh studio album, Piece by Piece, was one of her biggest hits in the last decade, earning platinum certification in the US. The song topped the US Dance Club Songs chart and climbed various national charts worldwide, reaching as high as number ten.

Written by songwriters Mitch Allan, Kara DioGuardi, Jason Evigan, and Audra Mae, “Heartbeat Song” later sparked controversy regarding its origins. Critics compared its melody and chords to Jimmy Eat World’s 2001 alternative rock hit “The Middle.”

Addressing the criticism, Clarkson clarified that she only sang the song and did not write it. She acknowledged missing the similarity but emphasized that there was no intention behind it. Clarkson appreciated Jimmy Eat World’s cool response, “Hey, no harm, no foul,” noting that the band did not pursue legal action, and they remain uncredited as co-writers on “Heartbeat Song.”