In a poignant moment that left fans in awe, Kelly Clarkson delivered a powerful performance of “What It Sounds Like” from Netflix’s highly acclaimed 2025 film, KPop Demon Hunters, on her segment Kellyoke during The Kelly Clarkson Show. The 43-year-old singer started with a gentle piano melody that grew into a rock-infused rendition, showcasing her vocal prowess and emotional depth as she sang the poignant lyrics: “Why did I cover up the colors stuck inside my head? I should’ve let the jagged edges meet the light instead.”
Clarkson’s cover not only captured the essence of the original song but also added her own rock edge, earning praise from both fans and the film’s team. EJAE, the talented singer behind the voice of Rumi in the movie, took to Instagram to express her excitement, calling Clarkson a legend and expressing her immense honor to be a part of the performance.
EJAE, born Kim Eun-jae, has had a remarkable musical journey, starting from training at SM Entertainment in Korea to eventually becoming the singing voice for Rumi in KPop Demon Hunters. The film, which premiered in June 2025, became Netflix’s most-watched movie with over 325 million views, and its soundtrack topped the Billboard 200 charts, solidifying its status as the biggest-selling soundtrack of the year.
Recently, EJAE made history by becoming the first Korean-American singer to win a Golden Globe for Best Original Song for “Golden” from the film. In her emotional acceptance speech, she revealed the decade of rejection she faced in her early career, highlighting how music helped her through the tough times and expressing gratitude for being able to inspire others through her songs.
On The Kelly Clarkson Show, Clarkson welcomed Arden Cho, who voices Rumi in KPop Demon Hunters, for an emotional discussion about the impact of music and identity. Cho shared how playing Rumi helped her embrace her Korean heritage, echoing the themes of the film that resonate with fans around the world.
KPop Demon Hunters follows the story of the girl group HUNTR/X—Rumi, Mira, and Zoey—as they navigate their dual lives as pop stars and supernatural fighters. The film’s soundtrack, featuring hits like “Golden” and “Your Idol”, has struck a chord with audiences worldwide.
As EJAE continues to bask in the glory of her Golden Globe win, she reflects on the ups and downs of her 23-year journey, emphasizing how every heartbreak and struggle led her to this incredible moment. In a world where music transcends boundaries and inspires self-acceptance, EJAE’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion in the face of adversity.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.