James, who passed away Friday at the age of 73 after a long battle with leukemia, has been one of Clarkson’s musical idols for quite some time.
During her 2002 Dallas audition for the first season of American Idol, she impressed the judges (Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson) by singing James’ “At Last”, and ultimately won the whole competition.
Fast forward 10 successful years and over 25 million albums sold worldwide, the 29-year-old Clarkson has made herself a pretty solid career in music.
Aside from touring this year, you can catch her on this season’s The Voice, where she’ll be helping out contestants on Blake Shelton’s team.
Check out Kelly’s American Idol audition below, followed by her NYC Etta James tribute.
have i mentioned lately just how much i LOVE kelly clarkson? in the words of my friend chris koon “she could sing me the phone book and i would be happy”
I was lucky enough to be at that concert and she can SING!!!
It was also great to see her so loose and happy. I feel like lately in all her televised appearances she doesn’t look very comfortable with the overly feminine outfits and heels they put her in. It so great to see her relaxed and just be herself.
have i mentioned lately just how much i LOVE kelly clarkson? in the words of my friend chris koon “she could sing me the phone book and i would be happy”
I love you Kelly! You seem like such a kewl person and of course a great singer. keep up the good work! :)
I was lucky enough to be at that concert and she can SING!!!
It was also great to see her so loose and happy. I feel like lately in all her televised appearances she doesn’t look very comfortable with the overly feminine outfits and heels they put her in. It so great to see her relaxed and just be herself.
They all look so young in the first video. Love Kelly.