Photos and Review by Brian Gallo
Kelly Clarkson Photos HERE
Pentatonix Photos HERE
Kelly Clarkson performed show number 8 at Mohegan Sun Arena on July 23, 2015. This is part of her Piece By Piece tour which has 36 US dates and 14 other stops. Joining her on the road is Pentatonix, Eric Hutchinson and Abi Ann.
Let me start off with some major credit to Abi Ann. This 18-year-old singer/song-writer sensation from Texas kicked off this show with style. She was a bonus add on to the tour and for the fans that were still only filing into the arena, they were treated to a wonderful performance. Her vocal abilities and stage presence was powerful. I truly wish she was on a little later and more fans got to witness her performance. Full of smiles, energy and talent she kicked the night off right.
Eric Hutchinson took the stage next. His banner behind him featuring his name along with “is pretty good” was a funny little feature to his act. This guy has been around the music industry for some time now and seems to be underrated. I for one never heard of him before this show and was quite entertained with his performance and music. Looking around the audience and I know they agreed with me.
Pentatonix was the next act. This 5 person acapella act simply wowed the crowd as expected. The audience loved every note and lyric and sound that they sang. Tearing through well-known covers and originals they were just non-stop entertainment. I was literally taken back by the sounds I was hearing. Their set could have gone longer and fans would have loved it.
Then it was time for Kelly. The arena was now full and ready. Her amazing stage set up was the first thing featuring moving walls with giant TVs and a catwalk that gave her access across the arena for fans to see her. I want to start by saying this girl puts her all into every song, word, and note she sang. You see it in her body language and hear it in the songs. Her vocals make her who she is along with powerfully written songs.
Highlights of the night included an amateur woman who was given the chance to perform on stage, an appearance for one song with Pentatonix and a cover of Prince’s When Doves Cry. But I would consider the moment of the night to be when she performed Piece By Piece. Accompanied only by piano, Kelly found herself in tears and unable to finish the song without breaking. This had fans in tears and feeling the emotions of the song as well. I for one will never forget witnessing this moment.
These performers gave it their all this night. A young upcoming Abi Ann is a must see in the future. Eric Hutchinson is more than pretty good after all these years. Pentatonix is a unique and class act. And Kelly Clarkson is pure vocal talent who brings the house down and becomes one with her audience.
Kelly Clarkson at the Mohegan Sun Arena – CT
