Kelly Clarkson Covers "I'd Rather Go Blind" in Honor of Etta James
Credit: Mike Coppola/Getty Images
Beyonce is not the only star who has had the honor of channeling the late Etta James in a performance -- Kelly Clarkson has a story, too.
PHOTOS: See Beyonce as Etta James
During her concert at Radio City Music Hall in NYC Saturday, the singer paused to pay tribute to the blues legend, who passed away from leukemia at the age of 73 Friday, and belted out James' hit, "I'd Rather Go Blind."
PHOTOS: Us Weekly's photo tribute to stars we've lost
In a way, the music icon helped kick off Clarkson's music career. Back in 2002, Clarkson, 29, won over the ears of Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson when she chose to sing James' "At Last" during her Dallas audition for the first season of American Idol.
PHOTOS: Stars before they were on American Idol
After reigning as the FOX vocal competition's first-ever winner, the rest is history.
Recently, the "Mr. Know It All" singer has been tapped to be an advisor on The Voice, where she will help along the contestants' pipes who land on coach Blake Shelton's team.
Tell Us What You Think
8Oh calm down Sasha
Oh calm down Sasha
Shannon you're an idiot too, her VOICE is what matters. I commend her for not feeling like she has to conform! Shows Shannon's immaturity too.
Jan you're an idiot! Her new album is AMAZING!
I'm not insulting her, chill out lol
Shannon...does it make you feel good insulting her?... i do not understand why she does not sing more classics and ballads?... her voice should not be for pop...she is a wonderful singer
She looks pregnant
I'm sorry I ever voted for this girl. I thought she'd be taking on songs of Broadway and leave her junkie records behind by now. She has a voice but I thinks she's so immature with it.