Kelly Clarkson Comes Clean About 'Horrific' Céline Dion Cover That Haunted Her for 22 Years

Kelly Clarkson recently revisited a harrowing memory from her time on American Idol that has haunted her for more than two decades. The original Idol winner, now an established powerhouse with her own talk show, shared the story behind a traumatic experience during the first season of the singing competition, where she performed Céline Dion's iconic ballad "I Surrender" while battling a severe case of laryngitis.

Kelly Clarkson and Céline Dion

For Clarkson, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. The young Texan was vying for America’s vote week after week, a star in the making, but far from the vocal juggernaut we know today. Her botched performance of Dion’s heart-wrenching anthem, however, has remained a sore spot for Clarkson, who until recently still cringed at the memory of that fateful night.

Clarkson confessed in a candid moment on social media, “22 years ago on American Idol, I got laryngitis. Everybody got sick one week because they worked us ragged. They had no idea the show was going to blow up.” Her frustration and exhaustion were evident, but it was clear that this wasn’t just about a missed note or a scratchy vocal; it was about letting down one of her musical heroes.

According to Clarkson, the thought of Céline Dion possibly watching that performance was mortifying. "I bawled that night," she admitted, reflecting on the magnitude of her embarrassment.

"I could have cared less about votes at that point. I was so scared because Céline was one of my main inspirations, and I just butchered her song."

The memory is almost too painful to revisit, but Clarkson chose to look back on that moment as an opportunity to redeem herself. Fast forward 22 years, and Clarkson, now an accomplished artist with a multitude of accolades, took another shot at Dion’s music.

This time, she chose “My Heart Will Go On” for her Kellyoke segment, a beloved part of The Kelly Clarkson Show, where she performs covers of songs that hold personal significance.

Céline Dion herself, who has been battling stiff-person syndrome and hasn’t performed in quite some time, took notice of Clarkson’s recent rendition. In a heartfelt Instagram video, Dion praised Clarkson’s performance, calling it “absolutely incredible” and admitting that it brought her to tears.

“I hope we can see each other in person soon,” Dion said, still visibly moved. “I love you so much.”

Clarkson was visibly touched by Dion’s reaction, acknowledging that her words meant the world to her. “For her to see my Kellyoke and to be so kind, it just feels like everything has come full circle,” she shared. “I wasn’t sick, I wasn’t stressed, and I got to honor someone who has always been a hero to me.”

The validation from Dion was the closure Clarkson didn’t know she needed. She had spent years beating herself up over that botched cover, but hearing from the icon herself that she had redeemed herself? That was priceless.

And what a journey it’s been for Clarkson! From a young girl with a dream, nervously tackling a legend’s song on live TV, to a bona fide superstar, performing for millions on her own terms. The redemption arc feels nothing short of cinematic.

Kelly Clarkson at Radio City Music Hall in May 2024.

But as she reflects on the experience, Clarkson’s humility shines through. She’s still that same girl who idolized Céline Dion – but now, she’s earned the respect and admiration of the woman she once feared disappointing.

For fans, this moment is as gratifying as it is emotional. Clarkson’s journey has been one of resilience, growth, and redemption. And if this heartwarming exchange with Céline Dion is any indication, it seems Clarkson has finally laid her demons to rest. Dion’s words have given her the closure she needed, and the world can now appreciate Clarkson’s tribute to the woman who inspired her to dream big all those years ago. 

As for what the future holds, it’s hard to say. Clarkson will undoubtedly continue to pay homage to her idols through Kellyoke, bringing her unique spin to classics and beloved hits. But now, there’s a new chapter to her story – one that includes the moment she finally got Céline Dion’s approval, proving once and for all that dreams really do come true.