Kelly Clarkson’s ‘I Will Always Love You’ – A Breathtaking Tribute That Stunned the 57th ACM Awards
When Kelly Clarkson took the stage at the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards in 2022 to perform “I Will Always Love You,” she wasn’t just covering a song—she was honoring a legend. Originally written and recorded by Dolly Parton in 1973 and later immortalized by Whitney Houston in 1992, the song had already secured its place as one of the greatest ballads in music history. Yet, Clarkson’s interpretation breathed new life into it, offering a heartfelt tribute to Parton while simultaneously reminding the world why she remains one of the most powerful vocalists of her generation.
Kelly Clarkson’s journey to becoming one of the most respected voices in music is nothing short of remarkable. Born in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1982, she first gained worldwide recognition as the inaugural winner of American Idol in 2002. Unlike many reality TV winners who fade into obscurity, Clarkson built a career defined by versatility, powerhouse vocals, and an ability to transcend genres. While she was initially marketed as a pop-rock star, she has since moved seamlessly between pop, rock, R&B, and even country—making her an ideal artist to tackle a song as universally beloved as “I Will Always Love You.”
Though Dolly Parton originally wrote and recorded the song as a farewell to her longtime musical partner Porter Wagoner, it was Whitney Houston’s 1992 rendition for The Bodyguard soundtrack that turned it into an international phenomenon. Houston’s version spent 14 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, setting records and becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time. The sheer vocal power and emotional weight of Houston’s version made it an almost untouchable song for other singers, as few could match its intensity without falling into imitation.
Clarkson’s decision to perform “I Will Always Love You” at the ACM Awards came as a tribute to Dolly Parton, who was being honored with the ACM’s Lifetime Achievement Award that night. Rather than emulating Houston’s grand, soaring delivery, Clarkson opted for a more restrained yet deeply emotional approach, closer to the raw sincerity of Parton’s original version. Accompanied by a simple yet elegant orchestration, her voice carried the song’s message of love and farewell with a tenderness that captivated the audience.
The performance was met with an overwhelmingly positive reception. As Clarkson’s voice filled the venue, cameras captured the emotional reactions of both the audience and Parton herself, who later expressed how deeply moved she was by the tribute. Music critics praised Clarkson’s ability to put her own stamp on a song that has been covered countless times, highlighting her vocal control and emotional depth. Social media lit up with fans declaring it one of the best live performances of the year, and the video quickly gained millions of views online.
Beyond the immediate applause, the performance reinforced Clarkson’s standing as one of the most versatile and respected vocalists in the industry. While she has often been associated with pop and rock, she has long embraced country music, having previously recorded duets with artists like Jason Aldean and Reba McEntire. Her ACM performance further bridged the gap between genres, proving once again that a great song can transcend its original context when placed in the hands of the right artist.
Clarkson’s rendition also served as a reminder of how truly timeless “I Will Always Love You” remains. First written in the early 1970s, then revived in the early 1990s, and now given new life in 2022, the song continues to resonate with audiences of all generations. Her performance demonstrated that while Whitney Houston’s version remains iconic, the song’s true brilliance lies in its ability to be reinterpreted in fresh, meaningful ways.
The impact of Clarkson’s performance was not just in its technical brilliance but in the emotional weight she carried throughout. As someone who has publicly navigated personal hardships, including a highly publicized divorce, her delivery of the song felt personal and authentic. This connection between performer and song made the moment even more powerful, showing that great music is not just about hitting the right notes but about making the listener feel something deeply.
In the days following the performance, the song saw a renewed surge in streaming numbers, as fans revisited both Houston’s and Parton’s versions alongside Clarkson’s heartfelt interpretation. Parton herself took to social media to thank Clarkson for the performance, calling it one of the most beautiful renditions she had ever heard. This kind of endorsement from the song’s original creator only solidified the performance’s significance.
Throughout her career, Clarkson has proven time and again that she is one of the few artists capable of stepping into the shoes of legends without being overshadowed by them. Whether singing Aretha Franklin classics, tackling Broadway standards, or now honoring Dolly Parton, she brings a level of authenticity and vocal prowess that few can match. Her performance of “I Will Always Love You” at the ACM Awards was not just another cover—it was a defining moment in her career, demonstrating why she continues to be one of the most celebrated vocalists of her time.
The song’s long-term legacy is now tied to yet another era, thanks to Clarkson’s stunning tribute. Decades from now, just as people still marvel at Houston’s version, they will likely remember the night that Kelly Clarkson honored Dolly Parton with a breathtakingly sincere performance. The song, already immortal, found yet another voice to carry its message forward, proving once more that great music truly has no expiration date.
