Kelly Clarkson finally gave fans the Whitney Houston cover they've been "waiting forever" for, and it appears it was well worth the wait. On March 20, 2025, the American Idol alum celebrated a milestone moment for her Daytime Emmy-winning series: its one-thousandth episode. To commemorate the occasion, Clarkson treated her audience to a breathtaking rendition of "I Have Nothing," a song initially released by the legendary singer in February 1993. This performance was part of the beloved "Kellyoke" segment of her show.
Fans across social media platforms were quick to express their passion for Clarkson’s cover. "I’ve been waiting for this cover for forever and I am in tears," remarked one YouTube user. Another follower chimed in, saying, "Kelly Clarkson finally covered this song. I’ve been waiting for it for so long." The excitement was palpable, with one commentator exclaiming, "The way I immediately clicked to watch this and was NOT disappointed!!!!!!" As the buzz continued, other viewers stated, "There aren't many singers alive that can do this song justice. She's one of them."
Clarkson herself recognized this significant milestone, saying during the opening of the episode, "Our show premiered on September 9, 2019, with the help of some great friends. Over the next five and a half years, we have made 999 episodes. I cannot believe today marks the one thousandth." The 42-year-old star continued to share heartfelt sentiments about her journey, saying, "We have met some hugely talented people, tons of big stars and inspiring everyday heroes." She reminisced, "For 1,000 episodes, we have laughed together, we have cried together with some beautiful stories, sang together with some people, danced together, celebrated, and competed together… And along the way, we found comfort in one another."
As Clarkson sang "I Have Nothing," she was clad in a vibrant pink outfit, joined only by a piano and acoustic guitar. Her performance showcased her impressive vocal range, building from soft notes to a powerful crescendo as she hit the chorus. The fans were blown away, with one individual commenting, "It shouldn’t look this easy and effortless to sing a Whitney song." Another added, "Nobody should cover Whitney, except for Kelly Clarkson."
Clarkson’s love for Whitney Houston is evident in her extensive catalog of covers. She has previously sung notable hits such as "How Will I Know," "Saving All My Love For You," "I’m Every Woman," "All the Man That I Need," "Run to You," and "Queen of the Night." Furthermore, her powerful performance of "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)" and the duet "Exhale (Shoop Shoop)" with Babyface from Houston's 1995 movie, "Waiting to Exhale," have also highlighted her admiration for the late singer.
Beyond her covers, Clarkson has had a successful singing career, with her own remarkable performances. In 2020, she performed "Higher Love" at the Billboard Music Awards, followed by an emotional performance of "I Will Always Love You" at the ACM Awards in 2022. This track is particularly significant as she performed it with Dolly Parton, the original artist.
The celebration of her show’s 1,000th episode and the cover of "I Have Nothing" captivated viewers, reinforcing why Clarkson remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. Described as having a voice that "has never met a flat note in its life," she continues to inspire countless fans with her vocal prowess and genuine personality.
As if acknowledging the legacy of Whitney Houston, Clarkson's heartfelt tribute through her performance serves as a testament to her talent and the deep connection she shares with her audience. It was a night of celebration, not just for the milestone of her show but for the powerful emotions that music can evoke, demonstrating once again why Clarkson is in a league of her own.
