On May 22, the 43rd Annual Kennedy Center Honors took place, celebrating five remarkable individuals and groups for their profound impact on American arts and culture. This year’s honorees included legendary choreographer and actress Debbie Allen, folk icon Joan Baez, world-renowned violinist Midori, beloved entertainer Dick Van Dyke, and country superstar Garth Brooks.
A host of renowned artists gathered to pay tribute to these cultural icons, including Derek Hough, Vanessa Hudgens, Pentatonix, Gladys Knight, Emmylou Harris, Jimmie Allen, Yo-Yo Ma, and Kelly Clarkson. The event, filled with unforgettable performances, was set to air on CBS on June 6 and available for streaming on Paramount+.
One of the evening’s most emotional moments came when Kelly Clarkson took the stage to honor Garth Brooks. Having had Brooks as a guest on her talk show multiple times, Clarkson has long admired his artistry. For the tribute, she performed his classic ballad, The Dance, and her rendition struck a deeply personal chord.
As she sang on the prestigious Washington D.C. stage, Clarkson’s voice wavered with raw emotion, breathing new life into a song that Brooks originally released more than three decades ago.
In a touching revelation last year, Clarkson shared how The Dance had helped her navigate the emotional turmoil of her divorce.
“When you go through something like this, everyone gives you advice—especially when kids are involved,” she explained. “There’s a lot of shame and guilt, and I struggled to find the right words to describe how I felt.”
She went on to say, “I didn’t want to diminish the relationship—it mattered, but it didn’t work out the way I had hoped. Then one day, I was listening to my playlist, and The Dance started playing. And I just thought, ‘That’s it. That’s exactly how I feel.’”
As Clarkson delivered the final note of the song, Brooks, visibly moved, wiped away tears. Overcome with emotion, he jumped to his feet, removed his hat, and exclaimed, “Damn!”—a powerful testament to the depth of her performance.
It was a moment that not only honored Brooks’ legacy but also highlighted music’s ability to heal, resonate, and bring people together.
