Warren Zeiders opens up about his shirtless photo that left Kelly Clarkson confused on her show. The former athlete turned country music star shared a photo from his lacrosse days on the daytime talk show that prompted an unexpected response from the host.
“Oh…” Clarkson says in the now-viral clip posted on Oct. 18. “I might have to take my jacket off,” Zeiders replies. “I didn’t know it was coming. I have to be ready for that,” says Clarkson, 42. “Well, that’s nice.” The “Relapse” singer was nervous before one of his first TV interviews, but realized there was nothing to worry about after his photo appeared on the screen. “Honestly, what went through my head was, ‘I’ve got this interview in the bag now,’” Zeiders, 25, told PEOPLE. “I am very proud of myself and my discipline. I was happy to see that I got a chance to annoy Kelly. That definitely made me smile.” Zeiders is no stranger to showing off his physique to fans. He regularly posts shirtless pictures and videos of his long hair and beard on Instagram and TikTok. “Working out and taking care of myself physically and mentally is definitely a benefit to the brand and the large fan base I’ve built up among the female demographic,” Zeiders said. He believes his long hair is key: “I’ll say this much, I think I have the best hair in country music.”
Warren Zeiders at the gym in Canada.
Austin Screws
“It became a real staple for my look. No one else really owns that long hair market,” he added. “Yes, it’s big. It’s a statement. My hair is usually in a bun, but I always let it down for showtime. So that’s how you know it’s showtime.” He says that maintaining his appearance is no easy task: “I work hard for this body.” Even on tour, he considers himself responsible. In 39 shows on Jelly Roll’s The Beautifully Broken Tour he exercised regularly, took ice baths and used the sauna—he even posted a video boxing with the tour’s leading man.
Now that he’s back from tour, Zeiders is back on a high-protein diet, including his favorite meals: steak, sweet potatoes, pomegranate juice, protein shakes and about six eggs in the morning. “I feel like I need to go through a detox after being on the road for two months,” said the CMT award winner. Describing himself as a ‘very confident individual’, Zeiders credits both of his parents for their tough love and the lessons he learned early on. His 12-year lacrosse career helped him develop the necessary discipline, routine and athleticism for country music and stardom. But the Billboard chart-topping singer hopes his confidence will inspire others.
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Warren Zeiders leaning on a vintage Mustang.
Austin Screws
“I’m not always going to like what I see in the mirror after training, but I like to share it with the world because it’s something I’m proud of. It was great to see how I motivate other people as well,” he said. “I want to be an inspiration to people around me because that’s what my dad did for me, that’s what my mom did for me when I was growing up.” But for Zeiders, it’s more than good looks that make someone sexy. “I don’t just look at physical attractiveness, I look at what else makes you sexy. Is it your brain? Do I like your tastes and tastes and certain things in life?” he says. “[This is what] I think about it when I’m going on a date and I’m trying to see if someone’s attractive and if I can see that we’re going somewhere.” For now, Zeiders has a few months off before embarking on his Relapse tour. In January, he will head to Europe — his first headlining tour there — before returning for the American leg of the tour in March. Tickets for Relapse tours are on sale now.
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Source: HIS Education