Toby Knapp

Toby Knapp

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@kellyclarkson's house party was just amazing!

There are so many things in life you have to be thankful for... and for me, I'm so thankful... and blessed... that I was among 200 people invited to the Nashville-area home of Kelly Clarkson to hear her new album... Now, I'm not really allowed to go into too much detail about individual songs... but I do have a few specific thoughts I want to share about the trip and things... 

1) Kelly and her husband, Brandon Blackstock, in my opinion, have the potential to change the way pop music is promoted... as well as the culture of promotion in radio today. What do I mean by that weird, industry-laden, statement of DAFUQ did he say? Let me explain... at the event, Kelly shared with those in attendance that Brandon came up with the idea of flying everyone in to Nashville for the event. Now, this is nothing new in the world of country music... which is, of course, headquartered in Nashville. They do this sort of thing all the time... but in the pop world, with some exceptions, this level of stuff... just doesn't happen. I won't get into why, but it all comes down to a culture of kindness. Country artists... and especially those from my home state of Texas... just get kindness. It matters. So throw open the doors to your home, invite everyone to come hang out for a while and see what happens. No wonder country artists are so loyal to country radio. And vice versa. Sidenote - Kelly and Brandon... are from the Dallas-area. Shoutout to KISS and BTK! Miss you guys! 

Kelly and Brandon are one of the most savvy and dynamic industry couples in the game today and this, to me, is just the beginning of us seeing what they can do together as Kelly launches this new album and next phase of her career. 

2) It is, at the end of the day, all about the music. Kelly's music will not disappoint you. There are anthems.  Raw moments. Honest moments. Sassy and fun ones, too. At a time when the world is moody and in need of some sun... Kelly's music delivers... and that voice is so freaking incredible. Even stronger than when I saw her live for the first time back in 2001 or 2002 in Tampa on that first Idols tour. 

3) She's been through some things... those things and experiences in life after American Idol... have shaped her. They've made her smarter. But the most endearing thing to me about Kelly... is her humanity. On stage while hosting our evening, she was one part stand-up comic, one part amazing storyteller and in every way, even still, she was that optimistic woman with a big voice who changed the music world by winning a show which set her on a path to stardom. She's not just an idol. She's an icon. And what is to come will, I think, again, make the world stand and cheer. 

Kelly, to you and your team at Atlantic Records, thank you for the blessing of being welcomed into your home. And thank you for all the music you've contributed to the last 16 years of my life and career. I'm thankful we've been on this journey together. 



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