Kelly Clarkson proved once again why she’s the queen of cover songs with her unforgettable rendition of Walkaway Joe by Trisha Yearwood during a March 2021 episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show. Known for transforming both classic and contemporary hits into entirely new experiences, Clarkson delivered a haunting, emotionally charged version that captivated the audience from start to finish.
Dressed against a dreamy blue-lit stage, Clarkson leaned into the heartbreak at the center of the song, her soaring vocals and nuanced inflections adding a personal touch while staying true to the original’s moody ambiance. Backed by her band, My Band Y’all, she navigated every vocal run and crystal-clear high note with precision, creating a powerful, spine-tingling performance that left the crowd in awe.
Adding to the magic, special guest Matthew McConaughey — who famously played “Joe” in the 1992 music video for the song — joined Clarkson, linking the performance to the song’s storied history. Originally part of Yearwood’s Hearts in Armor, “Walkaway Joe” tells the story of a young girl who falls for a charming drifter, leaving a lasting impression on country music fans for decades. Clarkson’s homage highlighted both the song’s emotional depth and her own interpretive skill, sharing the performance online with the caption: “This Ms. Trisha Yearwood classic goes out to Matthew McConaughey!”
Clarkson credits Yearwood, along with legendary vocalists such as Aretha Franklin, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and Celine Dion, as key influences in shaping her powerhouse voice. “We are all imitators in some sense,” she shared, reflecting on the immense inspiration drawn from generations of iconic female singers, including Reba McEntire, Patsy Cline, and Trisha Yearwood herself. The performance served as a masterclass in vocal artistry, reminding audiences why Clarkson remains one of the most versatile and captivating voices of her generation.