Overview
- Clarkson posted the cover on Jan. 13 during The Kelly Clarkson Show’s Kellyoke segment, offering a dynamic rendition with her live band.
- She selected “What It Sounds Like” instead of the soundtrack’s breakout hit “Golden,” leaning into the song’s grittier, emotional arc.
- “What It Sounds Like” previously peaked at No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100, while the K‑Pop Demon Hunters album reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
- The timing followed “Golden” winning Best Original Song at the 2026 Golden Globes, with Rolling Stone noting songwriter EJAE’s milestone as the first Korean‑American honoree.
- Arden Cho, who voices Rumi in the film, appeared on the show and spoke about the role’s resonance with her Korean‑American identity as fans praised Clarkson’s cover online.