Kelly Clarkson’s rendition of “Wide Awake” captivated Katy Perry, leaving a lasting impression. On a recent episode of “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” Clarkson took on Perry’s 2012 anthem during her Kellyoke segment, offering a stripped-down version that featured only piano accompaniment alongside her powerful vocals. This intimate arrangement allowed Clarkson’s voice to take center stage, slowing down the song to transform it into a poignant ballad.
The performance didn’t just resonate with the audience; Katy Perry herself was among those charmed by Clarkson’s interpretation. Perry’s response to a video of the cover shared on the official Instagram account of “The Kelly Clarkson Show” was telling. “Ok dang I can never sing that again,” she commented, showcasing her admiration for Clarkson’s take on her song.
Clarkson’s performance began with the evocative lines, “I was in the dark/ I was falling hard/ With an open heart/ How did I read the stars so wrong?” She continued, capturing the essence of the song’s introspective lyrics, “And now it’s clear to me/ That everything you see/ Ain’t always what it seems/ Yeah, I was dreaming for so long.”
“Wide Awake,” the concluding single from Perry’s “Teenage Dream” album cycle, was featured on the 2012 deluxe reissue, “Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection.” The track made a significant impact, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remaining on the chart for a total of 26 weeks.
Clarkson has previously covered other hits by Perry, including “The One That Got Away” and “Roar,” on her Daytime Emmy-winning talk show, showcasing her versatility and admiration for Perry’s work.
Perry, who recently spoke with Billboard at the Women in Music 2024 event, shared insights into her upcoming Rock in Rio performance and her passion for dance music. On the red carpet, she discussed her decision to leave “American Idol,” her admiration for Karol G, and her role in presenting the executive of the year honor at the event.
Below, you can watch the video of Clarkson’s “Wide Awake” cover that captured Katy Perry’s attention and praise.