Kelly Clarkson’s Road To Redemption Continues With Stop In Front Of The Pope

noah | April 1, 2008 2:55 am

It’s not reciting the words to “How Will I Know” 20 times and “I Will Always Love You” 30 times, but Kelly Clarkson is going to perform a penance of sorts later this month, when she’ll perform what could be seen as the ultimate diva jam: Franz Schubert’s “Ave Maria,” which she’ll perform for Pope Benedict XVI before he gives a speech in Yonkers, N.Y., on April 19. She’s calling this opportunity a “blessing,” even though she’s Baptist and the oh-so-conservative Benny 16 will probably be thinking that she’s a fake Christian during her entire performance.

Kelly Clarkson, 25, a pop singer who gained national attention by winning the inaugural “American Idol” competition in 2002, will sing several of her standards for the youths awaiting the pope in Yonkers April 19.

When the pope arrives, she will sing “Ave Maria” by Franz Schubert. Through her publicist, she said, “I was so excited to be asked to sing for the pope! I grew up singing church music, and it’s always been a dream of mine to perform ‘Ave Maria.’ To have that dream come true on such a special occasion is truly a blessing.”

Clarkson, who was raised Baptist, will return from a European performance tour as the pope arrives in the United States.

“Several of her standards” for the pre-Papal audience? Why do I have a feeling nothing from My December will be on the bill?

Singers who will perform for pope consider it a singular experience [Catholic News Service via MJ’s Big Blog]