Kelly Clarkson and Garth Brooks’ breathtaking cover of ‘Shallow’

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Kelly Clarkson and Garth Brooks’s rendition of “Shallow” sent ripples of awe through the music world, showcasing a breathtaking collaboration between two of the industry’s most powerful vocalists. Their performance of the chart-topping hit, originally brought to life by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper in A Star Is Born, was a testament to their individual talents and their undeniable chemistry.

Clarkson’s connection to “Shallow” goes back to 2019, during her Meaning of Life tour stop in Green Bay, Wisconsin. She surprised her audience with a stunning solo performance of the song, which had already garnered significant acclaim, including both a Grammy and a Golden Globe in 2018. The song’s impact was undeniable, solidifying its place as an instant classic.

Before launching into her rendition, Clarkson paid homage to Gaga, who co-wrote the song for the romantic drama, praising her talent and acknowledging the iconic performance alongside Cooper. “This chick is amazing,” Clarkson said of Gaga, recognizing her contribution to the song’s magic. With a touch of humor, she acknowledged the absence of her own Bradley Cooper, saying, “This song, I love it… I thought she and Bradley Cooper did such an awesome job with this song. It’s called Shallow, and we’re going to do our own version because obviously, I don’t have a Bradley Cooper here.” She then quipped, “I hope I don’t suck, and if I do, I hope she doesn’t see it.”

Fast forward a few years, and the story of “Shallow” took another exciting turn when Garth Brooks appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show. The conversation naturally drifted towards the iconic song, leading to a delightful revelation. Brooks shared his own experience with the song, recalling a 2020 duet with his wife, country star Trisha Yearwood, during a Facebook Live session.

Clarkson, a clear admirer of the song, inquired about the origins of Brooks’s duet with Yearwood, noting its inclusion on his album Fun. “I actually saw y’all do this [on Facebook] – it was live in the moment. You were doing some live thing. Is that how it all started?” she asked.

Brooks explained that the impromptu performance was sparked by a fan request during one of his live sessions. He admitted to being initially caught off guard, while Yearwood was well-prepared. “Miss Yearwood knew what she was doing, so I was like, ‘Oh, crap.’ I’d seen the movie – it’s pretty cool,” Brooks said, casually strumming his guitar.

Clarkson’s enthusiasm for the song was evident. “It invites you in… I love it,” she gushed.

Then, in a moment that thrilled fans, Brooks extended an invitation to Clarkson. “I would love to hear you sing,” he said.

“I would love to sing it with you. Sorry, Trisha,” Clarkson playfully joked. “You’re not here, and if you were here, I’d sing three-part.”

Their impromptu duet was nothing short of magical. Clarkson’s soaring vocals intertwined seamlessly with Brooks’s signature storytelling style, creating a performance that was both emotionally resonant and captivating. The blending of their voices brought a new dimension to “Shallow,” showcasing the song’s versatility and its ability to connect with audiences across genres.

After the performance, Brooks, with a twinkle in his eye, addressed his wife directly, saying, “Miss Yearwood, I didn’t enjoy that,” before turning away and exclaiming, “That was fabulous!”

The online reaction was immediate and overwhelmingly positive. Fans praised the unique chemistry between Clarkson and Brooks. “Kelly doesn’t just sing a song; she makes you feel it and understand it,” one fan commented, highlighting Clarkson’s ability to connect with the emotional core of a song. Another expressed a desire for future collaborations, saying, “The musical chemistry between Kelly and Garth is off the charts, and I desperately want a real duet single from them.” One fan summed up the experience perfectly: “I can sit here and just listen to them sing all day. They are both so talented and have great personalities. This was so much fun to watch!” Another viewer described the performance as “chilling,” noting, “As Garth began, it gave me goosebumps. Kelly came on strong and sounded wonderful. Great duo on a wonderful song. Thanks to you both.”

Clarkson and Brooks’s rendition of “Shallow” transcended the typical cover song. It was a moment of pure musical synergy, where two distinct voices merged to create something truly special. Their performance breathed new life into a beloved song, reminding us of the power of music to move us, connect us, and inspire us. It wasn’t just a cover; it was an experience.