CALGARY - It seems like ages ago that Kelly Clarkson walked away with the inaugural American Idol crown.

Since winning the title in 2002, Clarkson has enjoyed eight top 10 singles and has sold more than 10-million albums.

In recent years, however, Clarkson has been overshadowed by the success of other American Idol winners and finalists, including Carrie Underwood, Kellie Pickler and this year's flashy runner-up, Adam Lambert.

But last night, Clarkson proved she is still the most talented performer to come out of that glorified high school talent contest.

More than 7,000 fans watched as Clarkson belted out an entertaining, if sometimes curious selection of songs during her 90-minute show at the Pengrowth Saddledome.

The decidedly rock 'n' roll tone of the evening was set when the speakers blared AC/DC's Shook Me All Night Long just before the lights dimmed and Clarkson took the stage.

The Forth Worth, Texas, native came roaring right out of the gate as she kicked off with the anthemic All I Ever Wanted from her latest album of the same name.

Clarkson was charming and refreshingly down-to-earth, chatting happily to her awestruck fans in the front rows.

The 27-year-old is attractive, but she's no sexpot.

This, and her self-deprecating humour, is hugely appealing to her mostly young and apparently very passionate female fan base, which sang along to almost every word.

Clarkson repaid their dedication with stunning live performances of hits such as Miss Independent and the snappy I Do Not Hook Up, as well as some deliciously left-field cover choices, including a better-than-expected rendition of The Black Keys' Lies.

At one point, Clarkson fused Alanis Morrissette's heartfelt That I Would Be Good with Kings of Leon's alt.rock power ballad Use Somebody for a show-stopping highlight.

As robust as Clarkson's voice is, there were moments during last night's set where she sounded a little bit shrill.

Thankfully, these moments were very few and very far between.

Joined by a slick 'n' solid 11-piece band, which included a DJ, two backing singers and a horn section, Clarkson rocked out by stomping her feet, pumping her fists and throwing her hair back, perhaps trying to prove she is no ordinary pop tart.

The stage setup was surprisingly simple for this level of pop artist.

There were three onstage ramps leading to a top riser, but Clarkson largely kept to the front of the stage.

While the band was well-rehearsed, they actually looked as if they were enjoying themselves immensely and not just going through the motions.

Clarkson is professional and polished, but she's also a versatile vocalist who can growl out pop-rock numbers such as Since U Been Gone just as well as she can belt out a tear-jerking ballad.

The first opening act, Parachute, will probably appeal to fans of The Fray.

It's the same radio-friendly, adult-oriented pop that is played in dentist offices around North America and episodes of One Tree Hill.

Singer Will Anderson has a lovely golden timbre to his voice.

That was highlighted when he morphed Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone with their ballad, She Is Love.

Boston's Eric Hutchinson has far better success than Parachute doing the blue-eyed soul thing.

Dressed in a loose, grey three-piece suit, Hutchinson danced around and gave his best Stevie Wonder impression.

It may have gone over the heads of some of the teeny boppers in the crowd, but he definitely won over those who appreciate his influences.