Kelly Clarkson Honors Dolly Parton’s Personal Song Request With Breathtaking ‘I Will Always Love You’ Cover In Las Vegas
“…when Dolly Parton asks you to sing something, you just shut your mouth and do it. “
Kelly Clarkson; Photos via TikTok
Kelly Clarkson received a song request that she couldn’t refuse because it came straight from the queen of country herself, Dolly Parton. During the opening weekend of her Studio Sessions residency at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Clarkson surprised fans with a breathtaking performance of “I Will Always Love You,” honoring Parton’s personal suggestion to include the classic tune in her setlist.
The idea to cover the song came about when Clarkson posted a photo of the marquee in front of Caesar’s Palace that featured two advertisements – one promoting Dolly Parton’s upcoming residency this December and another one that included the details for Clarkson’s current run in Sin City.
She wrote, “I think this is a sign I should cover a Dolly song at one of my shows…. but which song?”
Dolly Gives Her A Suggestion
Fans were quick to weigh in on what songs out of the country icon’s catalog they believed she should include, but one comment particularly stood out as it came from Dolly herself.
The “9 To 5” singer wrote, “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….”
In the midst of her show, Kelly Clarkson recounted this online interaction and admitted there was no doubt that she would follow through with Dolly’s request.
“Here’s the thing. This is how much I love Dolly Parton because when Dolly Parton asks you to sing something, you just shut your mouth and do it. And I love Whitney Houston as well. She’s one of my biggest influences,” she explained.
@nicolemoody956 #kellyclarkson #fyp #ceaserspalace #dollyparton #dolly #lasvegas #whitneyhouston #studiosession #bodygard #brave #bekind #iwillalwaysloveyou #lasvegasconcert #incredible #twitter # #amazing #insta #americanidol #idol ♬ original sound – Nicole_tikytoky
Pulling Inspiration From Both Dolly And Whitney Houston
Clarkson went on to preface the performance by saying that while her rendition will take a bit of inspiration from both Dolly and Whitney’s iconic vocals, it will lean more towards Dolly’s rendition because as a Texas native and avid country fan, that is the version of the song that she heard first.
“I hope y’all like this. If you don’t, can you just be kind? I already know I shouldn’t be doing this s**t,” she joked before adding, “I do love this song, and it does mean, behind the scenes, it means something for me…it means something special for me. And anyway, I’m doing this for Dolly.”
Dolly Parton may not have been present at the performance physically, but spiritually, she was watching over Clarkson through a photo hanging up in the back of the stage. Clarkson revealed that all the images that could be seen on the set behind her were her real photos taken with fellow artists including Bonnie Raitt, Reba McEntire, Steven Tyler, Fleetwood Mac, etc. This was her attempt to make the entire show feel more intimate, almost like the crowd was really inside the studio with Clarkson.
“Anyway, this is such a beautiful song. It’s an honor to get to sing it,” she shared before diving into a stunning rendition of “I Will Always Love You.”
Clarkson Closes Out The Show In Style
The jaw-dropping performance took place during the encore portion of the show, which also found Kelly Clarkson changing into a fashionable neutral-colored dress with dramatic feather and rhinestone details all throughout. The video clips that have circulated the internet reveal that her cover that prompted the audience to go silent, allowing them to take in the incredible talent before them. Only a few cheers were heard until the very last note, when Clarkson belted out the tender narrative, earning nothing but incredible praise for those in the audience.
@blprooster Kelly Clarkson doing a Dolly Parton Kellyoke at her Las Vegas residency. #kellyclarkson #lasvegas #livemusic #vegas #dollyparton ♬ original sound – Roosterhouse
Along with this stunning cover, Clarkson spent the two-hour show, giving the audience stories behind some of her biggest hits like like “Stronger” and “My Life Would Suck Without You” as well as select deep cuts such as “Sober” and “Tight Rope.” She also performed her latest single, “Where Have You Been.”
The Residency Got A Delayed Start
The 43-year-old singer kicked off Studio Sessions, her second residency in Sin City in two years on Friday, July 11. However, this concert at Caesars Palace’s Colosseum wasn’t initially intended to be the residency’s opening night. Just hours before what was set to be the first show on Friday, July 4, Kelly Clarkson unfortunately canceled two performances in order to “protect” her voice.
She took to social media to announce the last-minute cancellations, revealing that she was “devastated” to make the decision that was ultimately necessary for her to be able to put on her best show.
“We have been working 24/7 to make Studio Sessions the most intimate and extraordinary experience with and for my incredible fans. I am beyond grateful that you always show up for me and I am devastated to have to postpone tonight and tomorrow’s opening at Caesars.”
“The prep and rehearsals have taken a toll on my voice. I want the shows to be perfect for y’all and I need to protect myself from doing serious damage so I am taking this weekend and next week to rest up so that we can deliver what you all deserve. The show is truly incredible. The musicians and singers are outstanding, and I want us all to start out strong.”
She added, “I can’t wait to be back next weekend and show y’all what we’ve been working on.”
It’s safe to say that after taking some extra time to recover, Kelly Clarkson returned with her vocal cords feeling better than ever.
“Studio Sessions” at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace will run on the weekends through August 16. Then Clarkson will return for a few more performances, taking place November 7 through 15.
Madeleine O’Connell graduated from North Central College with a bachelors degree in Journalism and Broadcast Communications before deciding to pursue her studies further at DePaul University. There, she earned her masters degree in Digital Communication & Media Arts. O’Connell served as a freelance writer for over two years while also interning with the Academy of Country Music, SiriusXM and Circle Media and assisting with Amazon Music’s Country Heat Weekly podcast. In addition to Country Now, she has been published in American Songwriter, Music Mayhem, and Holler.Country. Madeleine O’Connell is a member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.
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