Kelly Clarkson blows away fans at U.S. Open, sparks petition for Super Bowl halftime show — but she once said she'd never do it

Kelly Clarkson took the stage to kick off the 2018 U.S. Open on Monday night at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York and left the audience wanting more. After a jaw-dropping performance, the American Idol winner, who performed the national anthem at the Super Bowl in 2012, is Twitter’s top pick for next year’s halftime show. Fans were so blown away that they’re petitioning the singer to bring the house down at the Super Bowl LIII halftime show in 2019.

Kelly Clarkson performing at the opening night ceremony of the U.S. Open tennis tournament on Aug. 27, 2018, in New York. (Photo: Greg Allen/Invision/AP)
Kelly Clarkson performing at the opening night ceremony of the U.S. Open tennis tournament on Aug. 27, 2018, in New York. (Photo: Greg Allen/Invision/AP)

During her performance at the U.S. Open, the 36-year-old belted out six of her hits, including “Since U Been Gone,” “Walk Away,” and “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You),” wearing a show-stopping silver fringe dress. During her set, she said, “I love opening for Serena Williams!” The tennis superstar played after Clarkson’s performance. The audience may have loved it even more, though. And they’re campaigning to see her “destroy” an even bigger sporting event.

One fan tweeted: “@kelly_clarkson is a f***ing legend and the people deserve her for the Super Bowl halftime show 2019. LET IT BE KNOWN.” Another said: “Whoever is in charge of the super bowl halftime show may I introduce to you @kelly_clarkson. Way to go Kelly!”

There’s even a Twitter petition going around to make this happen.

Some think Clarkson’s performance at the U.S. Open was even better than what the Super Bowl usually produces.

A handful of fans are fantasizing about her halftime show and who would join her onstage.

Unfortunately, this dream might be too good to be true.

In September 2017, Clarkson said she would never take that gig. “No! You have to pay to do it! I’m not paying; you pay me,” she said on The Kane Show when asked if she’d ever do the Super Bowl halftime show. “I heard that, and I’m like, ‘Wait … I’ve been doing this too long, y’all. I ain’t paying people.’”

She also pointed out that it would be a huge challenge. “I like the halftime show, but it is such a hard… even for the most phenomenal artist, it’s a hard thing to do. Because when you’re in the venue … and you’re watching … they look like tiny little ants,” she said of the artists who perform the halftime show. “And you’re so removed, it’s so cold. … I imagine it’s a very hard play.”

So, unless the NFL plans to make it worth her while, it’s unlikely that Clarkson will be stepping onto that stage.

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