On August 10, 2012, Kelly Clarkson surprised fans with an unexpected and bold performance during her concert in Clarkston, Michigan at the DTE Energy Music Theatre. In response to a fan request, Clarkson took on Eminem’s iconic rap anthem “Lose Yourself”, adding her own unique twist.
Before diving into the song, Kelly joked with the crowd, calling the performance a “brave” move and hoped fans wouldn’t stop coming to her shows if it didn’t go well. To really get into the vibe, she even threw on a gray hoodie, laughing that she was going “from Texas to thug” — a fun nod to Eminem’s gritty style.
During the performance, Kelly brought her powerful vocals and put her spin on the rap-heavy track while still staying true to its high-energy essence. While she didn’t try to copy Eminem’s exact delivery, her performance was filled with confidence, charm, and respect for the original.
Fans loved every moment. The crowd cheered her on as she tackled one of hip-hop’s most intense and lyrically complex songs — especially in a venue so close to Detroit, Eminem’s hometown. The cover stood out as one of the most memorable moments from her tour.
Known for surprising fans with different fan-requested covers, Clarkson had previously performed songs by artists like Shania Twain and Madonna, but “Lose Yourself” proved her versatility and fearless approach to performing any genre.
