Kelly Clarkson took the stage at the Academy of Country Music Awards Monday night (March 7) to pay tribute to Dolly Parton with an emotional cover of her enduring hit “I Will Always Love You.”
The American Idol OG winner is the Queen of Covers. She opens her afternoon talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, with a new song chosen by an audience member. The Voice coach and American Song Contest host performed near the end of the event, which took place at the Allegiant stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.
2022 ACM Winners: Morgan Wallen Returns, Kelly Clarkson Fetes Dolly
The singer didn’t let the audience down, with a beautiful, heartfelt, subtle yet powerful performance. Afterward, as Kelly bowed to Dolly and left the stage, the legendary singer said, “That’s so great! I know that Whitney is smiling down on us tonight. Thank you very much!” Dolly continued, “She made me proud of that. I was backstage trying to cry my false eyelashes off, and slingin’ snot in every direction. That was an amazing job.”
We can never get enough of Miss Dolly! RT if you loved having our Country Music queen @DollyParton host the #ACMawards ? pic.twitter.com/KbmVELC2e2
— ACM Awards (@ACMawards) March 8, 2022
Dolly hosted the show, which exclusively streamed on Prime Video without commercial interruption. Gabby Barrett (American Idol) and Jimmie Allen (American Idol, Dancing with the Stars) served as co-hosts. American Idol season 4 winner, Carrie Underwood and Jason Aldean won single of the year for their hit “If I Didn’t Love You.” Watch the camera catch a glimpse of Carrie looking on as Kelly performs.
Kelly Clarkson pays tribute to Dolly Parton with a cover of “I Will Always Love You”
