Kelly Clarkson's Cover of Adele's "Someone Like You" Is a Vocal Tour de Force | NBC Insider

Per the request of many fans, Kelly Clarkson tackled a challenging song by a fellow vocal powerhouse at a concert back in 2012. With trepidation, she decided to take on “Someone Like You” by Adele, but of course she had nothing to worry about. Before the performance, Clarkson said she hoped she could do the song justice, which, spoiler alert: She totally did. This is Kelly Clarkson we’re talking about! Are you surprised?

Kelly Clarkson - Someone Like You (Adele Cover) Live in HD from Brisbane Australia 2012 - YouTube

Clarkson’s rendition started off with an acoustic guitar while she crooned the first verse gently. Then, the drums kicked in for the explosive chorus as Clarkson belted her heart out. Toward the end of the second verse, she improvised an ultra-high note with some perfect vibrato before wrapping the cover up with her signature upbeat energy that balanced vulnerability and grit.

About “Someone Like You” by Adele

A single off Adele’s 2011 album 21, “Someone Like You” was her second number one single in the U.S. also winning a Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance. A moving piano ballad, the lyrics and passionate vocals tell the story of making peace after seeing a former love move on.

Kelly Clarkson covers Adele

Photo: Getty Images

Kelly Clarkson covers Adele