Kelly Clarkson’s Rock Rendition of “Monster Mash” Still Haunts (and Delights) Fans Years Later
A Halloween Classic Reimagined
When Kelly Clarkson decided to perform “Monster Mash” on The Kelly Clarkson Show in 2022, no one expected the spooky tune to become one of her most talked-about “Kellyoke” performances.
The original song, written and performed by Bobby “Boris” Pickett in 1962, has long been considered the unofficial anthem of Halloween. Upon its release, it topped the Billboard Hot 100, and nearly six decades later — in 2021 — it re-entered the charts, peaking at #37, proving its timeless charm.
But Clarkson’s version was something entirely new — a reimagined rock ballad that blended her powerhouse vocals with eerie atmosphere and modern flair.
A Spooky Stage and a Powerful Voice
Clarkson’s stage was transformed into a haunted forest, complete with fog, dark lighting, and her signature Halloween costume flair. Backed by her live band, she stripped the novelty humor from the original and gave it a haunting emotional edge, turning the goofy party song into a thrilling rock anthem.
Fans were amazed by how she hit massive high notes while still keeping the spooky fun of the season alive.
“OMG, this rendition adds a whole other dimension to the song. Great arrangement!!”
“Who knew we needed a rock version of Monster Mash? This was next level.”
“Best rendition I have ever heard. She is amazing!!!!”
Even though the official YouTube clip was later removed, the performance lives on in fan recordings and social media clips that resurface every Halloween season.
From 1962 to 2022 — and Beyond
For decades, “Monster Mash” has been the go-to Halloween anthem — but Kelly Clarkson’s chilling twist gave it new life for a modern audience.
By merging her rock roots with the song’s playful nostalgia, she created a performance that was both spooky and soulful — a version that fans revisit every October.
👻 Watch Kelly Clarkson’s unforgettable 2022 performance of “Monster Mash” below and relive one of Halloween’s most unexpectedly iconic moments.