Wow! That’s a big deal. American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson, has been chosen to sing “Ave Maria” for Pope Benedict XVI at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers on April 19.
The Poughkeepsie Journal says that tickets to the event will be handed out in parishes and Catholic youth programs in the area!

Sorry but of all the singers I can think of to sing “Ave Maria”, Kelly is just about the last. She has a great voice, but not for that song. JMO
She was probably handpicked for this, what an honor! I think she’ll be awesome at this especially since Kelly’s one of the few in the business with a classical beginning. Wonder if this will be on TV?
Yikes… this has to be a joke. Giving away tickets. I agree Bev, Kelly had better not show up as YELLY this time. she’s got a rep for tanking live performances.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8EuMNzFuPc
9:22 – Kelly can sing anything.
Just saying.
don’t knock it until you’ve heard it! heard a clip of it on cbs this AM and she is amazing! …and i am not a big Kelly fan
Just heard it now and it was unworthy for the Pope’s ear. The lyrics were changed, and the new ones had nothing to do with Catholic doctrine. Also, her voice was not made for Schubert. Sorry . . .
“Kelly’s voice wasn’t worthy for the Popes ears?”Please not everyone has the opportunity to sing nor to meet the Pope she was chosen out of many performers.She did a fine job, Who are we to judge others or to hate on others triumphs.Isn’t that what the Catholic religion shows us????
Kelly Clarkson singing Ave Maria for the Pope made me a little weepy. What a great honor and she seemed honestly moved by the whole experience. Great job and what a special moment, I hope she remembers it and she has gained a fan in me for life.
I was very impressed bt the end of this performance; I have heard this sung by other artists and at first was doubtful that it would be sung successfully. It was. Kelly Clarkson did a great job,I had no idea that she had that range
Kelly’s fans are at it again.They are trashing Celine Dion’s version of Ave Maria. Do they ever stop putting down other artists? Lately they worried about the possible success of Leona Lewis and went after her with a vengeance. They can’t stand the fact that Carrie Underwood is doing so well, so they make snide comments about her all the time. Give it up already.
Actually I take back what I said. She was very good, didn’t try to change the tune.
OMgosh people. Did you think she was going to perform like it was the Superbowl or something to that effect? Give the girl some major credit! She has a wide range and pulled it off beautifully. Anyone that said she was a bad choice….well, they were wrong. Besides that, I’m sure the fact that she also has a great reputation within the music industry played a major part as well. Very well done Kelly!!! You were fabulous!
“Anthony
Apr 19, 2008 at 5:04 pm
Just heard it now and it was unworthy for the Pope’s ear. The lyrics were changed, and the new ones had nothing to do with Catholic doctrine. Also, her voice was not made for Schubert. Sorry”
Anthony, did you know that two days before the event Kelly changed the way she was going to sing the song? Kelly was going to sing the traditional Latin arrangement, but she was told of The Pope’s favorite rendition, and she learned that just a day or so before and she sang it for him.