With her latest album, "Piece by Piece," arriving Tuesday via a strong industry buzz and media blitz, Kelly Clarkson announced a summer tour that will bring her to Xcel Energy Center on Aug. 4. Two theater-level acts with strong Twin Cities followings, Pentatonix and Eric Hutchinson, will open the show. Tickets go on sale March 21 at 10 a.m. for $29.50-$99.50 via Ticketmaster and the arena box office.
Clarkson, 32, was the first winner on Fox TV's "American Idol" and remains the only champ from the show besides Carrie Underwood to sustain her or his popularity. The Texan pop singer, who became a mom last summer, hasn't performed in town since 2011, when she headlined KDWB's Jingle Ball.
Tuesday's Clarkson announcement follows Monday's big news of another Madonna date at Xcel Center.
