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Kelly Clarkson is embracing a fresh look while staying busy with her career. Since wrapping up The Kelly Clarkson Show in late August, the acclaimed singer has been hard at work, including filming Season 31 of The Voice. Recently, she caught attention with a noticeably shorter hairstyle.
On September 11, Clarkson performed a private concert at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta for Coca-Cola employees and partners. Photos and videos shared by attendees showed the original American Idol winner rocking a new, tousled bob paired with red pants and a sparkling Blondie t-shirt.
This wavy, short hairstyle marked a departure from her usual long, straight hair, sparking plenty of fan excitement. Many praised the new look, with some wondering if it signaled a new chapter in her career. One fan referenced her 2009 album All I Ever Wanted, recalling the short bob she wore back then and celebrating the return of the “KC singer” focused on delivering powerful vocals.
Fans took to social media to express their admiration, with comments highlighting how youthful and vibrant Clarkson appeared. However, not all reactions were positive; a few critics questioned the style choice, even joking about a possible disagreement with her hairstylist.
Interestingly, despite appearances, Clarkson may not have actually cut her hair. In 2025, during a promo for The Voice, she sported a similar bob that was later revealed to be a hairstyling illusion created by clever braiding and styling by her hairdresser, Robert. Clarkson explained at a concert that although she wanted a bob, she hasn’t been ready to give up her longer hair due to her busy lifestyle and preference for comfort.
Clarkson is set to return as a coach on The Voice for its Season 31 premiere, which will air across three consecutive nights starting September 21. Since the episodes were filmed earlier in the summer, fans can expect to see her signature long locks on screen, at least for now.