25 best award show hosts
By Reed Gaudens
12. Kelly Clarkson
Show: 25th Billboard Music Awards (2018)
Memorable Moments: When you think of award shows, Kelly Clarkson might not be the first person that comes to mind as the host. But from the second she took the stage at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards, she silenced anyone who might have doubted her. Clarkson opened the show with a medley to end all medleys. Running through the year’s biggest hits, she began by belting out “My Church” by Maren Morris and continued with “Finesse” by Bruno Mars, “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran, “Look What You Made Me Do” by Taylor Swift, and many more.
Public Reception: Kelly Clarkson’s first turn as the host of an award show met with widespread praise. We all know she’s a born natural at the microphone, but she put another shade of that talent behind the mic on display as generous and charming host. She wowed the world so much at the BBMAs (an her spinning red chair on The Voice) that she landed her own syndicated daytime talk show called The Kelly Clarkson Show to air ahead of Ellen later in 2019.
Why They’re One of the Best: From her endless supply of feel-good hits to her happy-go-lucky personality, there’s a lot to love about Kelly Clarkson. Obviously, considering the American public chose her to be a star after watching her work hard at mastering covers on the first season of American Idol. Not to be dramatic, but that might have been the best democratic decision this country has ever made. As the host of the BBMAs, her sense of humor and undeniable gift as a performer made her the unforgettable star attraction at a ceremony brimming with superstars.