More than a month after her viral moment sent waves through both sapphic and straight communities, Kelly Clarkson is finally addressing the wink that sent fans into a frenzy. The singer-turned-talk-show host has been receiving endless attention for a playful moment during her performance of The Outfield’s “Your Love” on The Kelly Clarkson Show—a moment that has continued to stir social media, leaving many questioning their own feelings.
In the February Kellyoke segment, Clarkson delivered a sultry rendition of the 1980s hit, singing the lyrics, “You know I like my girls a little bit older,” and following it with a flirty wink. The viral clip quickly took over TikTok, sparking a wave of reactions from fans. For many, the wink was just as captivating as the performance itself, and it became a moment that kept social media buzzing.
On Wednesday’s episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show, comedian and guest Whitney Cummings stepped in as the temporary host and took the opportunity to grill Clarkson about the viral moment. “Do you know that your cover of ‘Your Love’ has broken the internet?” Cummings asked, referring to the reaction from women who were left weak in the knees by Clarkson’s rendition.
Clarkson confessed she first learned of the viral sensation from the show’s musical director, who informed her that the clip had “blown up.” But Cummings was quick to point out just how impactful the performance had been: “Blew up? No, no women are leaving their husbands,” she joked, prompting laughter from the live studio audience.
The focus soon shifted to the wink. Clarkson, addressing the cause of the frenzy, casually acknowledged, “So I heard it’s because of the wink,” before giving Cummings another playful wink, which led to a hilarious response from the comedian.
@nomadd.7 That wink though. #kellyclarkson #fyp #trendingvideo
“Don’t wink at me, Kelly! She just winked at me. I’m not strong enough!” Cummings exclaimed, adding some comic relief to the moment. She then took it a step further, explaining the viral sensation to the audience. “She winks at the camera like a home-wrecker!” Cummings joked, adding even more heat to the already sizzling moment.
Clarkson, ever the professional, gave a candid explanation for her wink, admitting she started adding them into her performances to “be cute and playful with the audience.” Over time, the winks became a signature part of her stage presence. “So now I incorporate like a wink here and there. But I happened to do it on a line that — it was on purpose. It was cute,” Clarkson said, explaining that it was simply meant to add a bit of charm to her performance.
Despite the light-hearted nature of the conversation, Clarkson also acknowledged the deeper impact of her viral moment. Reflecting on the line she sang, she said, “It was a cute line, and if I was a lesbian, I would shoot for an older woman, I’m just saying.” The comment sent ripples through the crowd, and LGBTQ+ fans were quick to react, seeing the remark as a playful nod that many interpreted as offering some hope for sapphic women everywhere.
The moment between Clarkson and Cummings brought some humor and insight to the viral sensation, providing fans with a behind-the-scenes look at what turned out to be an unintended but widely celebrated flirtatious gesture. Fans who had been fixated on the performance and the wink for weeks now had some clarity, with Clarkson herself admitting it was all in good fun.
Since the release of the performance, the TikTok video has continued to be shared, remixed, and commented on, with reactions pouring in from both men and women. Some fans admitted they were left questioning their own preferences after seeing Clarkson’s playful moment, while others embraced the fun and flirtatious energy she brought to the stage.
While the viral clip may have left many fans reeling, Clarkson’s explanation only added to the allure of her charismatic and playful persona. It’s clear that the performance was far from just another segment on The Kelly Clarkson Show. For many, it was a defining moment that solidified Clarkson’s status as a beloved figure in the entertainment world, particularly among LGBTQ+ audiences who were captivated by her carefree attitude and unabashed charm.
As for the future, fans can expect more Kellyoke performances to include those signature winks, but this time, they’ll likely be watching just a little more closely. Clarkson’s wink may have started as a playful gesture, but its viral impact shows how a simple moment of fun can resonate with an audience, spark conversation, and even change perceptions.
For those who haven’t yet seen the iconic performance, it’s not too late to check it out. Just be prepared: after watching it, you may find yourself questioning your own feelings, just like so many others have. As Clarkson herself put it, “It was cute.” And sometimes, a little bit of cute can go a long way.
