“Let me set the stage by saying that [this] this song is one that no one should attempt to sing, but I found myself in a situation where I was persuaded to do just that,” Clarkson shared, as she transitioned into the emotionally charged penultimate performance of the evening, a heartfelt Kellyoke rendition of Dolly Parton’s iconic “I’ll Always Love You.” This song, known for its powerful lyrics and deep emotional resonance, has been covered by many artists, but Clarkson’s interpretation promised to bring her unique flair and vocal prowess to the classic.
The anticipation had been building for several weeks regarding Clarkson’s potential performance of this legendary song. This speculation intensified when she posted an intriguing photo on her Instagram, featuring the Caesars Palace marquee that highlighted her shared billing with Dolly Parton. Parton is set to commence her highly anticipated residency at the theater on December 4. Clarkson captioned the post with a playful hint, stating, “I think this is a sign I should cover a Dolly song at one of my shows… but which song?” This generated excitement among fans eagerly awaiting her decision and fueled discussions about the possibility of a Dolly Parton classic making an appearance in her setlist.
In a delightful exchange, Parton responded to Clarkson’s hint with encouragement, saying, “Hey Kelly, I think you should sing ‘I Will Always Love You’ because I think you do one of the best versions of that song that I have ever heard… Whitney and I would both be proud.” This endorsement from the legendary singer-songwriter not only highlights Clarkson’s immense talent but also showcases the deep respect and admiration that exists between these two iconic artists. Such supportive gestures are vital in the music industry, especially among artists who inspire and uplift each other.
Clarkson took a moment to reflect on her admiration for Parton and the significance of the song. “She’s a beautiful human, and she’s so sweet. Early in my career, she was kind, and that matters, especially for younger artists who are often fearful of looking foolish in front of their peers.” This personal anecdote underscores the importance of mentorship and kindness in the music industry, where established artists can make a profound impact by offering support and encouragement to emerging talent. Parton’s graciousness has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on Clarkson and many others.
“During the performance, I was honored to sing this tribute to her,” Clarkson recounted. “I said, ‘Absolutely.’ Then they informed me, ‘She picked, I Will Always Love You.’ At that moment, I was like, ‘Have a good night.’ No singer in the world, on their best day, wants to tackle ‘I Will Always Love You.’ The fear was palpable as I thought about it. With Parton standing offstage, I felt like a student being observed by their principal while attempting to solve a complicated math problem on the chalkboard.” This vivid comparison illustrates the pressure that artists often face, especially when performing songs that hold significant historical and emotional weight.
Clarkson also paid homage to the late Whitney Houston, expressing her admiration for her influence on her own musical style. “You can tell by some of my runs; I’ve taken a little inspiration from her, because I grew up listening to her music. These two women are among my favorite musical influences, and it’s such a beautiful song. We aimed to create a harmonious blend of both artists’ styles. We all know The Bodyguard soundtrack and its iconic status. Being from Texas, the very first version I heard was Dolly’s original, which has shaped my appreciation for this timeless piece.” Clarkson’s acknowledgment of her musical inspirations adds depth to her performance and highlights the interconnectedness of artists across generations.
