Kelly Clarkson on Why Bruce Springsteen Is Vocally Underrated: A Deep Dive into Vocal Mastery and Aging Gracefully
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Kelly Clarkson, a powerhouse vocalist and host of The Kelly Clarkson Show, recently shared her thoughts on the art of singing, the impact of age on vocal ability, and her admiration for legendary artists like Bruce Springsteen. In an 800-word exploration inspired by her candid discussion, Clarkson argues that singing is a skill that can be honed over time, much like a muscle, and highlights why she believes Springsteen, despite his iconic status, remains vocally underrated. Her insights offer a fresh perspective on vocal talent, the evolution of an artist’s voice, and the often-overlooked nuances of Springsteen’s vocal prowess.
The Gift of Singing: Nature, Nurture, and Hard Work
Clarkson begins her discussion by addressing a perennial question in the music world: can great singing be taught, or is it an innate gift? Her answer leans toward a blend of both. “It’s a gift, and to hear notes as far as pitch, definitely,” she acknowledges. However, she firmly believes that vocal ability can be developed over time. Reflecting on her own journey, Clarkson notes, “I’m a far better singer at 41 than I was at 19. My range is better, my tone is better, everything.” She attributes this improvement to the physical nature of singing, likening the voice to a muscle that strengthens with use. “If you don’t use it, you lose it,” she quips, emphasizing the importance of consistent practice and engagement with one’s craft.
This perspective challenges the notion that vocal talent is static. For Clarkson, singing isn’t just about raw ability; it’s about dedication and the willingness to refine one’s instrument. She points to her own career as evidence—her voice has become easier to control over time, allowing for greater expression and versatility. This idea of vocal evolution sets the stage for her admiration of veteran artists who continue to impress with their vocal capabilities well into their later years.
Lessons from Legends: Tony Bennett and the Power of Consistency
To illustrate her point about vocal growth, Clarkson recounts a memorable encounter with Tony Bennett at a benefit event years ago. After performing alongside other talented singers, she felt confident in her own set—until Bennett took the stage. “I felt like I did a pretty good job on stage, and all the other singers did too, and then he got up there, and I was like, ‘I’m sorry, what?’” she recalls with a mix of awe and playful indignation. At around 80 years old, Bennett’s voice was nothing short of astonishing. “It was his voice. People think, ‘Oh, they’re older, they sound different.’ I think sometimes if you’re using it properly and you’re constantly working something, you can develop such a beautiful roundness that you’d never have in your youth,” Clarkson explains.
Bennett’s performance left a lasting impression on Clarkson, reinforcing her belief that consistent use of one’s vocal gift can lead to remarkable results. “I’m constantly singing, I’m into it, I’m writing, I’m on the talk show singing, I’m doing stuff all the time,” she says. This dedication mirrors the careers of other seasoned artists she admires, like Billy Joel, whose voice she feels has improved with age. “Billy Joel sounds really good, and I’m amazed by that,” she admits. For Clarkson, these artists exemplify how a commitment to one’s craft can defy the conventional narrative of vocal decline with age, instead offering a richer, more nuanced sound developed over decades.
Bruce Springsteen: An Underrated Vocal Badass
Among the legends Clarkson reveres, Bruce Springsteen holds a special place. Known as “The Boss,” Springsteen is celebrated worldwide for his songwriting, storytelling, and electrifying performances with the E Street Band. However, Clarkson argues that one aspect of his artistry often goes underappreciated: his vocal talent. “I love Bruce Springsteen,” she declares passionately. “I don’t know if you know this song, but my favorite song is actually one that he’s not like singing huge and big on. I think it might be the one song in his career he sang in falsetto the entire time, that high, sweet voice. I think it’s called ‘Lift Me Up,’ and it’s so good.”
Clarkson’s admiration for Springsteen’s vocal versatility shines through as she highlights this lesser-known track, likely from the 1999 film Limbo soundtrack. Unlike his signature anthemic rock style heard in songs like “Born to Run” or “Thunder Road,” “Lift Me Up” showcases a softer, more delicate side of Springsteen’s voice. This ability to adapt his vocal delivery across genres and emotions is, for Clarkson, a testament to his underrated skill as a singer. “He is underrated. I mean, not underrated—people think he’s huge, still, obviously, he’s a huge star. I just mean he’s underrated vocally. I don’t think people give him enough credit for being the just badass vocalist he is,” she asserts.
Springsteen’s vocal style is often characterized by its raw, gritty power—a voice that embodies the working-class struggles and dreams of his lyrics. Yet, as Clarkson points out, his range extends beyond this signature sound. His use of falsetto in “Lift Me Up” reveals a tenderness and vulnerability that contrasts with his more robust performances, demonstrating a depth that casual listeners might overlook. For Clarkson, this versatility is what makes Springsteen a “badass vocalist,” deserving of more recognition for his technical and emotional range.
The Evolution of a Voice: Age as an Asset
Clarkson’s reflections on Springsteen tie into her broader theme of vocal evolution. Much like Tony Bennett and Billy Joel, Springsteen’s voice has matured over the decades, gaining a richness that only comes with experience. At 75, Springsteen continues to perform with the same energy and passion that defined his early career, but his voice now carries the weight of a life lived—a storytelling quality that resonates deeply with audiences. Clarkson’s observation that voices can improve with age applies directly to Springsteen, whose performances today blend the rawness of his youth with a seasoned, reflective tone.
This idea challenges the stereotype that singers peak early and decline as they age. Instead, Clarkson champions the notion that a voice, when nurtured and used consistently, can become a more powerful instrument over time. Springsteen’s career exemplifies this, as his vocal delivery has adapted to suit the emotional depth of his later works, from the introspective Western Stars to the nostalgic Letter to You. His ability to convey both strength and fragility, often within the same song, underscores Clarkson’s point about the “beautiful roundness” that develops with age.
Why Springsteen’s Vocal Talent Deserves More Credit
Clarkson’s argument for Springsteen’s vocal prowess being underrated invites a reevaluation of how we assess musical legends. While his contributions as a songwriter and performer are universally acknowledged, his singing is often overshadowed by his larger-than-life persona as “The Boss.” Yet, his voice is the vehicle through which his stories come to life—whether it’s the defiant roar of “Born in the U.S.A.,” the weary hope of “The River,” or the ethereal longing of “Lift Me Up.” Each performance showcases a different facet of his vocal ability, proving that Springsteen is not just a rock icon but a masterful singer capable of profound emotional expression.
Moreover, Springsteen’s vocal endurance is remarkable. Decades of touring, often performing marathon shows lasting over three hours, have tested his voice in ways few artists experience. Yet, he continues to deliver with intensity and authenticity, adapting his style to preserve his instrument while still pushing boundaries. This resilience, combined with his willingness to explore different vocal textures, aligns with Clarkson’s belief that consistent use and proper care can enhance a singer’s gift over time.
A Call to Recognize Vocal Artistry
Kelly Clarkson’s heartfelt discussion on The Kelly Clarkson Show serves as a reminder of the complexities of vocal talent and the beauty of its evolution. By sharing her own growth as a singer and marveling at legends like Tony Bennett and Billy Joel, she sets the stage for her passionate defense of Bruce Springsteen as a vocally underrated artist. Her appreciation for his versatility—evident in tracks like “Lift Me Up”—and her recognition of his enduring badassery as a vocalist challenge fans to listen more closely to the nuances of his performances.
In a music industry often focused on youth and fleeting trends, Clarkson’s insights highlight the value of experience and dedication. Springsteen, at 75, embodies this ethos, his voice a testament to a lifetime of storytelling through song. As Clarkson urges us to give him more credit for his vocal mastery, she also celebrates the broader truth that a singer’s journey is one of constant growth—a muscle strengthened by use, a gift refined by time. For fans of Springsteen and aspiring vocalists alike, her words are a call to appreciate the depth and resilience of a truly badass voice.
