Last week I joined four Hunter’s for the Kelly Clarkson concert at Hammerstein Ballroom. I must admit, I like Kelly, but my dear friend and colleague Michael LOVES her. I was excited to hear live music, but was also excited to watch Michael belt out the lyrics to “Since U Been Gone.”

With our general admission tickets in-hand, we huddled into the sea of people, anxiously waiting for the action to begin. Eric Hutchinson was the evening’s opening act. The Billy Joel-esqe singer engaged the crowd with six songs from his debut album, including the crowd favorite “Rock & Roll.”

When Eric exited the stage, we waited in anticipation for the woman of the hour. After swapping favorite Kelly songs with fellow fans, the pink curtain dropped and we didn’t stop singing for the next hour and a half! She sang the best tracks from her current album as well as a few classic favorites. Highlights included a mashup of Alanis Morissette’s “That I Would Be Good” and Kings of Leon’s “Use Somebody” and a cover of The White Stripe’s “Seven Nation Army.”

I knew going into the show that Kelly has a great voice, but the American Idol winner blew me away! I think its safe to say that Reba McEntire, who watched the show from the front row, was also thoroughly entertained. I glanced over at one point to see the country crooner recording a video on her cell phone.

Jennie