CONCERT REVIEW: Kelly Clarkson at Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, Feb. 21

FEBRUARY 22, 2012

CLEARWATER — It says a lot about Kelly Clarkson that the current controversy hanging over her head is all about, well, the blunt curtain of hair hanging over her forehead.

Forget about domestic abuse or vocal-cord blowouts or sex, drugs and related rock detritus: The inaugural American Idol champ is so tabloid-free, so relatively reclusive in her private life, we get in a frenzy, a froth, a fervor about her bangs.

As she proved to 2,180 hyped-up fans at a sold-out Ruth Eckerd Hall on Tuesday, the 29-year-old Texan is the rare pop star who succeeds almost completely on pure, soul-kissed talent. She's one of the best-selling artists of the 21st century because she can wail almighty, with only Christina Aguilera and Adele around to match her chops.

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Posted by seandaly at 12:01:43 pm on February 22, 2012 | Permalink | Comments

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Pop music critic Sean Daly of the Tampa Bay Times brings you the latest music news and concert reviews. He writes about rock music, country music, rap music and whatever sounds are out there. Cool job, isn't it? And his CD collection -- from Journey to Dylan, Prince to U2, Public Enemy to Stan Getz -- is much bigger and better than yours.

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