Garth Brooks Fought Back Tears While Watching Kelly Clarkson Sings “The Dance”

During the 43rd Annual Kennedy Center Honors, the “Friends in Low Places” singer found himself holding back his tears.

Seated at the front row beside his wife, Trisha Yearwood, Garth Brooks couldn’t help but get emotional while watching his fellow country superstar Kelly Clarkson – who performed a remarkable rendition of his 1990 hit “The Dance.”

Garth Brooks’ “The Dance” was released as the final single off his 1990 self-titled debut album. And it’s among Garth Brooks songs that holds a special place in Clarkson’s heart. In one episode of her talk show last year, The Voice coach told Brooks how the song has been very helpful in processing her emotions amidst her recent split from her husband, Brandon Blackstock. It even inspired Clarkson to write her own song about divorce, which will be included in her upcoming album.

Meanwhile, Garth Brooks is among the honorees for this year’s Kennedy Center Honors – together with folk icon Joan Baez, violinist Midori, Tony winner Dick Van Dyke, and Tony nominee Debbie Allen.

The Kennedy Center Honors is an annual event that celebrates various exceptional artists who made momentous steps in “elevating the cultural history of our nation and world,” said Kennedy Center Chairman David M. Rubenstein. “As one of the world’s best-selling music artists, Garth Brooks heightened country music’s profile like no other singer before him.”

Featuring a number of events for its limited and physically distant audiences in sites within the campus of Kennedy Center, the medallion ceremony for the honorees consisted of both performances and speaking tributes. It is usually held every December; however, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it was postponed until May.

You can watch the Kennedy Center Honors ceremony – including Kelly Clarkson’s full performance of “The Dance” – on CBS this Sunday, June 6. The telecast starts at 8 PM ET.