Key Points

Kelly Clarkson shared the surprising speed at which she wrote her hit holiday song "Underneath the Tree." The Grammy winner revealed she completed the track before her sushi delivery arrived during a studio session. The 2012 Christmas anthem became one of her most successful songs, topping multiple charts. Clarkson credits her love for Christmas music and working with producer Greg Kurstin for the song's quick creation.

Key Points: Kelly Clarkson Wrote Christmas Hit Underneath the Tree Fastest

  • Clarkson wrote "Underneath the Tree" faster than any other song
  • The 2012 hit peaked at No. 9 on Billboard Hot 100
  • Collaborated with producer Greg Kurstin on the track
  • Song remains a holiday classic topping ASCAP charts
2 min read

I ordered sushi and when it arrived I had written it: Kelly Clarkson shares which song she wrote fastest

Kelly Clarkson reveals she wrote her holiday hit "Underneath the Tree" in record time while waiting for sushi delivery on The Kelly Clarkson Show.

"I ordered sushi and when it arrived I had written it – Kelly Clarkson"

Washington DC, June 16

Singer-songwriter Kelly Clarkson shared which song she has written the fastest from her 23-year career as a recording artist, reported People.

On The Kelly Clarkson Show's YouTube channel, the daytime talk show host, 43, shared which song took her the shortest time to write.

"A Christmas song. It was 'Underneath the Tree.' I was working with Greg Kurstin in the studio," Clarkson said of the music producer who helped her make her 2012 hit 'Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)' and other hits, as per the outlet.

"I ordered sushi and when it arrived I had written it," the three-time Grammy winner continued. "I think because I really love Christmas, I write them really quickly for Christmas -- because they feel good, because you can be a little cheesy, you know? You don't have to worry about being cool, which honestly that's not a concern generally ever because I'm not," reported People.

"Underneath the Tree" was a huge hit for Clarkson, peaking at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. It topped Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart, holding the pinnacle position for four weeks.

While sharing on how the holiday hit came to be, Clarkson said on her show that Kurstin, "sent me home with a little piano thing and we kind of started, not the idea of it, but just kind of the wall of sound for Christmas."

She added that "it's a really cool sound at Christmas. It feels nostalgic."

"They don't all come out like that, though; usually it takes forever," Clarkson admitted of her songwriting process. "But that one was quick."

'Underneath the Tree' -- from Clarkson's Wrapped in Red album -- also topped the most recent list of Top 10 ASCAP New Classic Holiday Songs published by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). And in an all-time list of Top 25 ASCAP Holiday Songs, Clarkson and Kurstin's holiday song slid into the rankings at No. 24, reported People.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
Love how Kelly keeps it real! In India we also have instant creative moments - like when AR Rahman composed "Jai Ho" in one sitting. Talent + timing = magic ✨
R
Rahul S.
Christmas songs do have that special vibe! Reminds me of how our Bollywood composers create beautiful festival songs for Diwali and Holi. The festive spirit brings out creativity.
A
Ananya M.
Sushi inspiring a Christmas song? Only Kelly Clarkson! 😂 But seriously, as someone who writes poetry, the best ideas do come unexpectedly. Keep creating, Kelly!
V
Vikram J.
While I appreciate her talent, I wish Indian artists got this kind of global recognition too. Our musicians work just as hard but don't always get the same platforms.
S
Sneha P.
Her humility is so refreshing! "Not worrying about being cool" is such an Indian mom philosophy also - just be your authentic self. More artists should think this way.
K
Karan D.
The nostalgia she mentions is universal. Whether it's Christmas carols or our old Hindi film songs, music really does transport us back to happier times. Great story!

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