Kelly Clarkson gave “Monster Mash” a different mood for a Halloween edition of The Kelly Clarkson Show in 2022, bringing the familiar seasonal song to the show’s “Kellyoke” stage in a dramatic new arrangement.
The performance departed from the playful novelty style associated with Bobby “Boris” Pickett’s original. Clarkson’s version leaned into a darker rock-ballad sound, with a spooky forest set helping establish the atmosphere. She also wore an elaborate Halloween costume for the appearance.
Rather than simply reproduce the original recording, the arrangement shifted the song toward a more dramatic, almost eerie performance. Clarkson sang it with force, including soaring high notes that put the focus on her vocals as well as the change in style.
A Halloween song with a long life
Pickett released “Monster Mash” in 1962. The novelty hit reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a recurring seasonal favorite. Its chart history continued decades later: in 2021, the track returned to the Hot 100 at No. 37.
That familiarity made Clarkson’s approach stand out. The song is widely associated with a light, playful Halloween sound; her performance instead gave it a heavier, more theatrical character. The melody remained recognizable, but the shift in arrangement made the cover feel distinct from the version listeners know.
Viewers respond to the change
Comments on the original YouTube performance, which has since been deleted, praised the reworking and its rock direction. Some commenters highlighted the arrangement, while others celebrated the idea of turning the well-known Halloween song into a rock performance.
The cover has remained a notable entry among the show’s Halloween performances. Its appeal lies in the contrast between a song rooted in novelty-pop fun and Clarkson’s darker treatment, supported by the staging and her powerful delivery.
The 2022 “Kellyoke” appearance offered a fresh take on a track that has returned to the charts and remained part of Halloween listening for generations. Clarkson did not leave “Monster Mash” as a straightforward singalong: she reshaped its atmosphere while keeping the classic at the center of the performance.
