Kelly Clarkson is reclaiming her power—and her wardrobe. The 43-year-old singer and talk show host recently opened up about facing “very cruel” comments about her appearance throughout her career. Speaking on Today with Jenna & Friends, Clarkson revealed that the sultry outfits she wears in her new music video for Where Have You Been were a deliberate choice.

“I’ve had people be very cruel,” she said, referring to past criticism. “I’ve never been able to be what I want for that moment… because they’re all different characters.”

Clarkson described the track as a “very sexy moment” and used the video to embrace a new chapter, even joking, “I lost some weight, and I was like, ‘Put me in something fitting. I don’t know how long this will last.’”

She also shared on The Kelly Clarkson Show that she began taking weight loss medication after serious health concerns, calling it a necessary aid.