Hozier found success on the Billboard Hot 100 last year when he released “Too Sweet,” which quickly gave him his first No. 1 on the chart. Kelly Clarkson delivered another success during her recent Kellyoke segment by covering it. She performed the No. 1 hit on a recent episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show, once again wowing the audience and those watching at home with her incredible vocals.
“Too Sweet” was released on the EP Unheard in March 2024, quickly rising up the Hot 100 chart to No. 1 in April. While Hozier is ultimately known for the 2014 hit “Take Me To Church,” it never actually reached No. 1. It stayed at No. 2 for three consecutive weeks, sitting behind Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space.” That was his first Top 10 hit, however.
He’s since had success on the charts, but nothing quite compares to the popularity of “Too Sweet.” According to Hozier, the phrase “too sweet” is usually derogatory, as it describes being put off by someone’s false outward sweetness. The song uses that phrase in a way that seems to disguise its true meaning, like when people from the South say “bless your heart.” It sounds nice, but in reality it’s a borderline insult.
Kelly Clarkson Gives Yet Another Stellar Kellyoke Performance
Hozier recently told Billboard about the song’s success, “It kind of just put wind in the sails of a ship that was already sort of moving.” True, Hozier wasn’t exactly hurting for a fanbase when “Too Sweet” rocketed up the charts. However, it’s nice to see his work being appreciated commercially as well. He added, “It was just like this thing that happened, and it’s been like a cherry on the cake.”
As for Kelly Clarkson’s performance, she killed it as usual. She’s been known to perform a cover song with grace, attitude, and skill, sometimes elevating a song beyond the original. Here, she gives the song a different spin while maintaining the integrity of the original. Both Clarkson and Hozier have distinct vocals, and hearing it in Clarkson’s voice almost turns it into a brand-new song.
Overall, Clarkson’s vocals are strong and delightfully rock-infused, and her band is on top of things as usual. This is yet another successful Kellyoke segment in the bag.
