Kelly Clarkson’s Musical Director Reveals His Least Favorite Hit Song
Kelly Clarkson’s musical director, Jason Halbert, recently made a surprising revelation about his least favorite hit song by the Grammy-winning artist. The candid moment took place during Andy Cohen’s guest-hosting of The Kelly Clarkson Show on April 21. Cohen playfully offered Halbert $20 to disclose his least favorite Kelly Clarkson song.
In a light-hearted exchange, Halbert retorted by challenging Cohen to reveal his least favorite Bravo show before finally admitting that Clarkson’s 2004 hit “Breakaway” holds the title of his least favorite. This confession, while seemingly unpopular, sheds light on the personal preferences and perspectives of those intimately involved in the music industry.
Interestingly, Halbert’s distaste for “Breakaway” echoes Clarkson’s own sentiments from a 2019 interview where she also listed the song as one of her least favorites in her extensive catalog. Despite reaching No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 after its release, “Breakaway” seems to have divided opinions even among those closest to its creation.
Originally featured on the soundtrack of The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, “Breakaway” holds significance as a track co-written by Avril Lavigne. Lavigne, who initially penned the song for her debut album Let Go, eventually passed it on to Clarkson. In a retrospective video shared on The Kelly Clarkson Show’s Instagram in 2022, Lavigne praised Clarkson’s rendition of the song, emphasizing how Clarkson breathed new life into the heartfelt lyrics.
Reflecting on the origins of “Breakaway,” Lavigne revealed that the song encapsulated a period of personal growth and transformation in her life. The themes of leaving behind familiarity, taking risks, and embracing change resonated with both Lavigne and Clarkson, infusing the track with a sense of shared experience and emotional depth.
The creative journey of “Breakaway” not only underscores the intricate web of collaborations and choices that shape the music industry but also highlights the subjective nature of musical preferences. As artists and collaborators navigate the evolving landscape of the music world, personal connections to songs and performances continue to influence creative decisions and resonate with audiences worldwide.
In the realm of music, where emotions and melodies intertwine to create timeless experiences, discussions around favorite and least favorite songs serve as testaments to the enduring power of musical expression. Jason Halbert’s candid revelation opens a window into the nuances of artistic interpretation and individual taste, inviting fans and listeners to appreciate the multifaceted layers of the music they cherish.