Kelly Clarkson has a way of turning any song into an unforgettable moment, and her performance of Garth Brooks’ iconic ballad “The Dance” – his “favorite song” – left the country crooner visibly emotional.

Garth Brooks has delivered countless unforgettable performances throughout his career, but at the 2021 Kennedy Center Honors, it was his turn to be on the receiving end of a breathtaking tribute.

The 63-year-old superstar singer – one of country music’s most celebrated artists – was deeply moved as fellow music legends, like Kelly Clarkson, James Taylor, Jimmie Allen, and Gladys Knight, paid tribute to his legacy and extraordinary career.

“There’s country music, rock, gospel, honky-tonk…and then there’s Garth Brooks,” said actor Bradley Cooper, who introduced the tribute segment. “Garth is a power hitter who swung for the fences and shattered the barriers between music genres, forever expanding the vocabulary of country music and changing American culture.”

His ‘favorite song’

And the first to take the stage was Clarkson, 42, with her emotional, powerhouse rendition of “The Dance,” Brook’s chart-topping 1990 ballad that he revealed is his “favorite song.”

“There’s a song that you look forward to all night, like ‘The Dance.’ I could play it four or five times a night, and I’d still be OK with it,” Brooks said in a 1994 interview.

“‘The Dance’ will be the greatest success as a song we will ever do. I’ll go to my grave with ‘The Dance.’ It’ll probably always be my favorite song,” he added of the ballad that talks about love, loss, and the bittersweet beauty of life’s fleeting moments.

Hat comes off

When the American Idol winner performed the cover on stage, he likely loved the song a little bit more.

Clarkson, known for her impressive vocals and ability to breathe new life into classics, delivered a performance that was both intimate and dynamic. The moment the Grammy-winner started singing, the audience fell silent, captivated by her soulful delivery.

Accompanied only by a piano, Clarkson’s voice soared, echoing through the venue with raw emotion. As she sang each lyric with heart and soul, the audience sat mesmerized – but no one was more moved than Brooks himself.

The country legend, seated in the audience alongside his wife, Trisha Yearwood, was seen clutching the medallion he received that night, and then wiping away the tears that filled his eyes.

As Clarkson’s voice reached its peak, Brooks rose to his feet and in a display of deep gratitude, he removed his hat – a classic sign of respect in country music – and placed a hand over his mouth, visibly touched by the heartfelt performance.

‘Flawless’

Social media quickly lit up with praise for Clarkson’s electric, yet intimate performance, with fans expressing their admiration.

“Absolutely flawless performance. Garth looks so proud. Kelly you are an amazing artist,” writes one netizen in the comments section of the clip shared on Facebook by the Kennedy Center Honors.

“Fantastic job singing that song. You can see Garth was filled with emotion. [You’re] amazing!” shares a second.

A third writes, “Garth’s reaction made me cry,” while another opined, “I liked Kelly’s version much better.”

Kelly Clarkson’s rendition of “The Dance” was more than just a performance – it was a moment of pure musical magic.

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