Kelly Clarkson vs. Adam Lambert: Who Really Sang “Chandelier” Better?
It’s time for a classic showdown — and this one’s a heavyweight battle.
Sia’s 2014 smash hit “Chandelier” is one of the most iconic pop songs of the last decade. The vocal acrobatics alone make it nearly untouchable. But that hasn’t stopped two powerhouse vocalists, Kelly Clarkson and Adam Lambert, from stepping up and delivering their own jaw-dropping renditions in recent years.
In 2023, one fan stitched together a now-viral TikTok comparing the two performances — and the internet had thoughts.
Kelly Clarkson’s Version: Pure Powerhouse Precision
Clarkson’s take is everything fans love about her: explosive, emotional, and vocally bulletproof.
She doesn’t just hit the high notes — she crushes them.
Her belts soar beyond even the heights Sia reached in the original, and she does it with that effortless Kelly magic that makes you think she could sing a tax return and make it sound heavenly.
Her live performance has the raw force of a vocalist who simply does not miss.
Bottom line: Kelly delivers a technically flawless, full-throttle version that feels like a masterclass in controlled power.
Adam Lambert’s Version: Theatrical, Artistic, and Unforgettable
Adam Lambert approached “Chandelier” differently — and spectacularly.
His version leans into atmosphere and drama, performed in a different key and paired with a soaring trapeze artist above the stage. The visual theatrics elevated the emotional tension of the song, and Lambert’s voice — richly textured, agile, and full of theatrical flair — fit the moment perfectly.
It wasn’t just a vocal performance; it was a production.
Bottom line: Adam’s version is a sweeping, cinematic piece of art — vocally brilliant and visually mesmerizing.
So… who did it better?
Honestly? It’s impossible to pick.
Clarkson delivered the better technical vocal.
Lambert delivered the better theatrical experience.
Both came at the song from different angles, and both delivered performances that can only be described as superhuman. Call it a draw — and a win for anyone who loves big, emotional, vocally demanding pop moments.
Quick Look: The Legacy of “Chandelier”
Released in 2014 on Sia’s album 1000 Forms of Fear.
Marked Sia’s breakthrough as a front-facing pop star after years of writing hits for others.
Praised by critics, including Gigwise, which said the song “springboards Sia from a behind-the-scenes genius into a superstar.”
Spent 46 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100.
Peaked at #8, despite becoming one of the most recognizable pop songs of the decade.
