Clarkson not a fallen "Idol," but she's slipping

Kelly Clarkson needs what "American Idol" used to provide for her — good songs.

At her concert Monday night at the Paramount, the original "Idol" came off as second-rate rock singer, a dime-store Pat Benatar, belting out whiny, bombastic songs, most of them of her own making, from her dismal third album, "My December," released in June.

On the TV program that made her famous, Clarkson got to show off her considerable vocal talents, and youthful charm, covering well-known pop hits. After she won, she scored a few such hits herself, some of which were highlights of Monday's 75-minute set — specifically "Breakaway" and "Since U Been Gone," the big closer, mostly because the large, adoring, constantly picture-taking audience went nuts over them.

The slower songs were much more successful vocally, especially "Be Still," the one beautiful ballad from "My December"; a cover of Patty Griffin's gospelly "Up to the Mountain (MLK Song)"; and "Because of You," a hit from the smash "Breakaway" album, with Clarkson gushing about singing it recently with Reba McEntire on "CMT Crossroads."

Clarkson sang them with grace and style, showing the talent that made her a star. But those moments were few. Most of the set was blaring, second-rate rock.

Her youthful charm has hardened somewhat and, as the media has been noting since her appearance on the "Idol Gives Back" TV special in the spring, she's gained weight. The form-fitting pants and low-slung top she wore onstage didn't flatter her.

She was backed by a lively, competent, seven-piece band, whose pasted-on smiles seemed to indicate that, for them, it was just another night at the office.

If you're an aspiring young singer/songwriter/pianist, it helps to be as handsome as Jon McLaughlin, a Tom Cruise look-alike who opened the show with his three-piece band.

"I wonder how it feels to be famous," he sang in the set's one slow song, "Indiana," the title tune from his debut album. Judging by the reaction of the ladies in the crowd, he just might find out.

Patrick MacDonald: 206-464-2312 or pmacdonald@seattletimes.com

To hear Kelly Clarkson, go to www.myspace.com/kellyclarkson.