Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
The singer and daytime host also had Arden Cho — the voice of Rumi from HUNTR/X — as a guest on the Tuesday, Jan. 13 episode.
Kelly Clarkson embraced a K-pop vibe during a recent Kellyoke performance.
On the Tuesday, Jan. 13 episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show, the Grammy-winning artist and TV host performed a stirring rendition of “What It Sounds Like,” a song featured in Netflix’s 2025 film KPop Demon Hunters.
The 43-year-old singer appeared onstage wearing a taupe, vest-style jumpsuit layered over black tights and a long-sleeved black top. She opened the emotional ballad softly, gradually building intensity.
As the chorus arrived, Clarkson’s vocals soared as she passionately delivered the lyrics, emphasizing the song’s central message of self-expression and vulnerability. By the second verse, her band transformed the track into a more rock-driven version, adding a powerful edge to the performance.
In addition to the musical moment, Clarkson sat down for an interview with Arden Cho, the voice behind Rumi, a member of the fictional group HUNTR/X in KPop Demon Hunters.
Cho, 40, shared that portraying Rumi became a meaningful experience that helped her come to terms with her own identity. She spoke about growing up feeling conflicted about where she belonged, explaining that being Korean American often left her feeling misunderstood.
She noted that early in her acting career, she struggled to define herself, frequently feeling caught between not fitting expectations—sometimes feeling “not Asian enough,” while at other times feeling boxed into stereotypes.
Cho explained that throughout her 20s and 30s, she spent years striving to meet unrealistic standards, often trying to become someone she wasn’t. Eventually, she said, she reached a point where she fully embraced her heritage.
She expressed pride in her Korean roots, sharing her love for K-pop, Korean fashion, and traditional food—interests she once felt hesitant to openly celebrate after facing ridicule from others who criticized the smells or textures of the cuisine.
Reflecting on her growth, Cho admitted she hadn’t always had the confidence to fully own her identity, but doing so helped her discover who she truly is and who she wants to be.
Cho said she strongly connected with Rumi’s storyline in KPop Demon Hunters, as the character struggles with concealing her true self. She added that Rumi’s breaking point—losing everything and being exposed—ultimately becomes the catalyst for her personal transformation.
KPop Demon Hunters centers on the girl group HUNTR/X—Rumi, Mira, and Zoey—who balance their fame with a secret double life. When their popularity begins to falter, they rely on their hidden roles as demon hunters to protect fans from otherworldly dangers.
