Kelly Clarkson’s performance on “American Idol” moves the singer to tears

Kelly Clarkson’s tearful final appearance at American Idol may have been particularly emotional due to her pregnancy, but either way, the mom-to-be touched viewers with her rendition of “Piece By Piece.” The 33-year-old wrote the song to pay tribute to her absent father and husband, a powerful decision to say goodbye to the show that launched her career.

Her deeply moving performance also touched judges Keith Urban and Jennifer Lopez, who listened with tears in their eyes as Kelly struggled to finish the song.

Kelly Clarkson was overwhelmed with emotions during her American Idol Performance

As the crowd chanted her name afterward, Kelly apologized for crying. “I’m pregnant, it’s nostalgic. I can’t believe it’s the last season,” she told host Ryan Seacrest. “I’m really sorry, I just cried. I’m actually pretty proud that I made it this far.”

“This is such a touching song for me because I wrote it when I was pregnant with my little daughter and now I’m pregnant with my little boy who I hope is coming very soon!” said the star, who also appeared as a guest judge on the evening.

In May it was announced that this season American Idol – the 15th – was to be the last. Kelly famously won the very first season of the show in 2001 and her performance was a fitting farewell to the singing competition.

The star is now counting down the days until the birth of her son, her second child with husband Brandon Blackstock. Kelly announced her pregnancy at a concert in LA in August and revealed in October that she was expecting a son.

Kelly and Brandon, who have been married since October 2013, are also the proud parents of daughter River Rose, and Kelly is stepmother to Brandon’s son and daughter from his previous marriage.