Kelly Clarkson Defends Comparing 'Voice' Contestant To Other Gay Artists

Kelly Clarkson has defended herself after an eliminated contestant on The Voice called out the pop chart-topper for being "small-minded" for comparing her to other gay acts like the Indigo Girls and Melissa Etheridge. 

After Molly Stevens, who is gay, was eliminated from the NBC competition, the hopeful singer admitted in a now-deleted Instagram post that she was upset by the comparison that the OG American Idol made during the battle rounds. "While I'm extremely honored to be in that category of talent I do believe that comment did us all a disservice and only threw us into a labeling trap," she wrote. "It felt small minded to me and exactly what I feel we need to bring attention to the world. I am a singer songwriter who happens to be gay. And so is @melissa_etheridge and @indigogirlsmusic. Glad I can work through this one today on a carousel in Central Park with my mom and niece. But it’s a common stereotype that happens too often. People put us in boxes."

Shortly after the tweet went viral, Clarkson took to Twitter on Tuesday (March 27) to respond to Stevens' rant, admitting that she made the connection because of their vocal talents and not their sexuality. "Wow. This really bums me out. I need everyone 2 hear me & hear ALL OF THE WORDS I SAY," the 35-year-old singer kicked off her tweet. "I compared Molly to Melissa Etheridge, Patty Griffin (a name that was left out conveniently), & the Indigo Girls purely because of the rasp in her voice & that she's an amazing storyteller."

Stevens probably didn't expect the media fuss and later apologized for the misunderstanding. "I sincerely apologize for any hurt I may have caused with my words. This was not my intention at all," she replied. "For the people who know me well, you know my heart well too. I strive to live in truth and light. @kelly_clarkson I truly apologize for thinking differently. I look up to you."

Photo: Getty Images