Covering a rock classic is always a high-risk move—especially when the song belongs to Aerosmith, a band synonymous with Steven Tyler’s once-in-a-generation vocal range and his long-held title as the “Demon of Screamin’.” For years, rock purists have dismissed pop stars who step into the genre, accusing them of polishing away the grit that gives rock its bite. But when Kelly Clarkson tackled Aerosmith’s 1993 smash “Cryin’” during her Kellyoke segment, she didn’t tiptoe into rock territory. She tore the door off its hinges. The performance was so commanding that it reportedly sparked a rare moment of humility from Tyler himself, who admitted to feeling a rush of exhilaration—and even “shame”—at hearing his own song out-sung.
When Rock Royalty Meets Raw Power
Rock isn’t just about hitting notes; it’s about texture, danger, and emotional exposure. “Cryin’,” produced by Bruce Fairbairn for Get a Grip, is built on controlled chaos—Tyler’s blues-soaked growls colliding with piercing high notes. Clarkson approached the song without pop restraint. Instead of smoothing its rough edges, she leaned into them, delivering a performance that felt grounded, urgent, and fearless. Even longtime rock critics—often quick to dismiss pop crossovers—were forced to reconsider where Clarkson truly belongs.
Shattering the Pop Star Stereotype
Where Tyler originally attacked the song’s peaks with a razor-thin rasp, Clarkson answered with a full-bodied, soulful belt, layering in gospel-tinged runs that gave the track new emotional weight. According to those close to him, Tyler described her take as “hotter” than anything he managed at his own peak in the early ’90s. “She hit notes I can’t reach anymore,” he reportedly said, acknowledging not just her range, but her authority. For Tyler, the performance echoed the legacy of women who reshaped rock before—voices like Janis Joplin—proof that power in rock isn’t bound by gender or genre labels.
A Rock Endorsement That Matters
By late 2025, the impact of Clarkson’s rock-leaning performances was undeniable. Her rendition of “Cryin’” became one of the most-watched segments in The Kelly Clarkson Show history, pulling in millions of views and igniting widespread calls for a full-scale rock album. Aerosmith themselves took notice, frequently sharing Clarkson’s covers across their official platforms, including her explosive take on “Dream On.” Industry insiders now suggest that if Clarkson were to release a rock album in 2026, she wouldn’t just compete—she’d dominate.
Redefining the Power of a Cover
The original “Cryin’” video centered on betrayal and reclaiming control. In her performance, Clarkson did something similar on a larger scale: she reclaimed the idea of the cover song itself. This wasn’t a respectful imitation or a novelty moment—it was a challenge. And instead of bristling, Steven Tyler embraced it. He recognized that while he built the blueprint, Clarkson rebuilt the house with new fire and soul, introducing Aerosmith’s legacy to a new generation of rock fans—and proving that sometimes the most dangerous covers become the most legendary.