Kelly Clarkson’s Bakkt Theater show featured a touching performance with her kids

Kelly Clarkson’s live performance of her classic song “Heartbeat Song” at her Bakkt Theater show in Las Vegas, Nevada, became an unforgettable occasion as she brought her 9-year-old daughter, River Rose, and son, Remington “Remy” Alexander, on stage for a family trio performance.

This performance was particularly special because “Heartbeat Song” is River Rose’s favorite, and she eagerly joined her mother on stage, harmonizing her voice with Clarkson’s. River Rose, who has been rocking this song since she was a toddler, was thrilled to sing it live, having insisted on performing it during the tour.

Clarkson shared with the crowd that River Rose chose her own outfit and impressed everyone during soundcheck, leading to a memorable on-stage moment. Remy, undeterred by the large audience, appeared natural and confident, adding to the charm of the performance.

Watch the video below to see this lovely family moment.

Supporters were moved by the mother-daughter duet, expressing their admiration with comments like, “That’s a moment she will never forget,” and “A star is born!” River Rose’s courage to perform passionately on stage was a highlight, and Clarkson’s encouragement was evident.

The next night at the residency, Clarkson invited River Rose to sing again, this time with her 7-year-old brother Remington Alexander joining in, making it an even more enchanting family performance.

Clarkson shares both of her children with her former manager and ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock. The couple, who married on October 20, 2013, welcomed River Rose in June 2014 and Remington Alexander in April 2016. Their divorce was finalized in March 2022 after a lengthy legal battle that attracted significant public attention.

“Heartbeat Song” was the lead single from Clarkson’s seventh studio album, Piece by Piece. Released in 2015, the song became one of her biggest hits in the last decade, achieving platinum status in the US and topping the US Dance Club Songs chart, while also performing well internationally.

The song, written by Mitch Allan, Kara DioGuardi, Jason Evigan, and Audra Mae, later became the subject of controversy due to its resemblance to Jimmy Eat World’s 2001 hit “The Middle.” Critics noted similarities in melody and chords, sparking debates over its originality.

Clarkson responded to the criticism by clarifying that she had no role in writing the song, stating, “I just sang the song; I didn’t write it.” She appreciated Jimmy Eat World’s gracious response, saying, “Hey, no harm, no foul,” acknowledging the limited number of chords available. Despite the controversy, no legal action was pursued, and the songwriters of “Heartbeat Song” remain credited as the original creators.