Kelly Clarkson took to social media to defend a teen singer whom she mentors after trolls slammed the girl’s performance of “God Bless America” at the Indy 500 this weekend.
On Sunday at the Indy 500, Clarkson and Chevel Shepherd, who won Season 15 of The Voice on Clarkson’s team, performed the National Anthem and “God Bless America,” respectively.
But following the performance, trolls hit social media to share their critiques with Clarkson, who wasn’t having it.
“@kellyclarkson Indy 500 – Absolute WORST version of God Bless America I’ve ever heard!!!” the person wrote, assuming it was Clarkson who performed the song. “Sing it the way it was written, without all the slow whining, the ‘stylizing,’ the chirps and warbles. Want to know how to sing it right? Listen to Kate Smith’s version.”
“I didn’t actually sing that song today but the 16 yr old girl that did, nailed it,” Clarkson wrote back. “Also, think about the fact that U signed in online & took the time 2 drag a 16 yr old girl. Really think about it because Ur showing the worst side of U & I have faith that you’re cooler than this.”
And listen to Chevel and Kelly’s performances below: