Kelly Clarkson Expresses Gratitude to Céline Dion for Her Praise, Joking It Makes Up for Her ‘Bad’ American Idol Cover Caused by Laryngitis
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Clarkson performed Dion’s “I Surrender” during the first season of American Idol, which she ultimately won.
You never know who’s watching! After Kelly Clarkson’s emotional Kellyoke performance of Céline Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On,” the legendary singer had high praise for Clarkson.
In an Instagram Reel, Dion, 56, shared, “Kelly, when I returned from the Olympics, I saw your reaction to my performance on the Eiffel Tower. Hearing your voice, which was breaking with emotion, touched me deeply. You were crying, and then you made me start crying. What’s with all the crying?”
She added, “I just watched you sing ‘My Heart Will Go On,’ and now I’m crying again. You were absolutely incredible and fantastic. I loved it so much. I hope we can meet in person soon — without the tears! I love you so much.”
On Oct. 8, Kelly Clarkson, 42, responded to Céline Dion’s praise, sharing how much the feedback meant to her.
“22 years ago on American Idol, I came down with laryngitis. Everyone got sick that week because they worked us to the bone,” Clarkson recalled. “They had no idea the show was going to become so huge.”
She continued, “That week, with laryngitis, I had to sing Céline Dion’s ‘I Surrender.’ I cried that night, feeling so embarrassed that Céline Dion might see my performance. At that point, I wasn’t even thinking about the votes.”
Describing the performance as “so bad” due to her illness, Clarkson explained how her recent Kellyoke rendition of “My Heart Will Go On” felt like a chance to redeem herself. “I felt like I sang it alright this time. I wasn’t sick, and I got to honor someone who has been one of my biggest vocal inspirations.”
During her Top 4 performance in the first season of Idol, Kelly Clarkson performed Celine Dion’s “I Surrender,” a track from the 2002 album A New Day Has Come. Judge Simon Cowell acknowledged the widespread illness affecting the contestants, praising Clarkson for her ability to sing despite the strain on her vocals that week. He remarked, “It’s a miracle that you can even speak this week.”
Cowell further stated to Clarkson, “I believe you’ve just placed yourself in the same category as Céline and Mariah Carey.”