Kelly Clarkson’s Bakkt Theater performance, featuring her kids, was a beautiful family showcase

Kelly Clarkson’s live trio performance of her classic hit “Heartbeat Song” brought together her 9-year-old daughter, River Rose, and her son, Remington “Remy” Alexander, for an unforgettable family moment. The performance took place at Clarkson’s Bakkt Theater show in Las Vegas, Nevada, where the family trio delivered the popular synth-pop track.

Given that “Heartbeat Song” is River Rose’s favorite, she confidently joined her mother in singing. Clarkson shared that it was her daughter who chose the song, highlighting how much River Rose has loved it since she was a toddler.

Remy also appeared to be a natural on stage, unfazed by the large audience, adding to the charm of the performance. This memorable family moment was captured in the video below.

Clarkson revealed to the crowd that River Rose has been rocking this song for years and was eager to perform it on tour. She chose her own outfit for the occasion and impressed her mother during soundcheck, with Clarkson praising her performance.

Fans expressed their admiration for the mother-daughter duo, with comments like, “That’s a moment she will never forget,” and, “A star is born!” Many noted how Kelly’s support gave River Rose the confidence to sing passionately on stage.

Clarkson was so impressed that she invited River Rose to sing again the following night, with her 7-year-old brother Remington also joining in for an added touch of sweetness.

Clarkson’s children, River Rose and Remington Alexander, were born during her marriage to her former manager, Brandon Blackstock. The couple wed on October 20, 2013, and welcomed River Rose in June 2014 and Remington Alexander in April 2016. Their divorce was finalized in March 2022 after a lengthy legal process that garnered significant media attention.

“Heartbeat Song” was the lead single from Clarkson’s seventh studio album, Piece by Piece. It became one of her biggest hits in the past decade, earning platinum status in the US and topping the US Dance Club Songs chart, as well as several international charts.

The song was written by Mitch Allan, Kara DioGuardi, Jason Evigan, and Audra Mae. However, it later sparked controversy due to similarities in melody and chords to Jimmy Eat World’s 2001 alternative rock hit, “The Middle.”

In response to the criticism, Clarkson clarified that she didn’t write the song but only sang it. She acknowledged the similarity but noted that no intentional copying took place. Clarkson appreciated Jimmy Eat World’s response, saying, “Hey, no harm, no foul.” Although the situation seemed primed for legal action, the band chose not to pursue a lawsuit, and they remain uncredited as co-writers of “Heartbeat Song.”