Kelly Clarkson Responds to 'The Voice' Contestant Upset By Her Comparison to Other Gay Singers

Kelly Clarkson is speaking out to respond to Molly Stevens, a contestant on her The Voice team this season, who is upset by a comparison that Kelly made during the battle rounds this week.

The coach said that Molly, who is gay, reminded her of the voices of other gay singers like Melissa Etheridge and the Indigo Girls.

After being eliminated from the competition, Molly wrote on Instagram, “@kellyclarkson compared me to @melissa_etheridge and the @indigogirlsmusic. 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. It felt small minded to me and exactly what I feel we need to bring attention to the world.”

She added, “I don’t think Kelly Clarkson meant ANYTHING by this and even gave it any thought but clearly I did. :/ I guess I’m just thinking in my head that I am a singer songwriter who happens to be gay. And so is @melissa_etheridge and the @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. How about for today I am just Molly Stevens and you be you too.”

Kelly took to Twitter to respond to Molly and point out that she didn’t just compare her to those artists.

Click inside to read the response…

“Wow. This really bums me out. I need everyone 2 hear me & hear ALL OF THE WORDS I SAY. 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,” Kelly tweeted.

Watch the performance below.