Two of the music world’s strongest women combined forces for the first time on Sunday night in one powerful duet. To open the American Music Awards, Pink and Kelly Clarkson sang a moving cover of R.E.M.’s “Everybody Hurts” that paid respect to everyone affected by the tragedies of 2017.
“This year, more than perhaps any other in recent history, we needed the power of music to help us heal, from hurricanes, wildfires, hate, hatred-fueled violence. 2017 was a year that tested our faith,” began Jamie Foxx, before he introduced the police officers, EMTs, and other first responders who work tirelessly to save people this year. “In these moments of crisis, heroes emerge. With us tonight are some of the first responders who ran toward the danger, when it would have been so easy to run away.”
“As this year comes to a close, we look forward to 2018 with hope,” Foxx continued. “For even as we mourn those who were lost, we know this: Together, our strength will pull us through. Together, we shall overcome the pain. Together, we can unite as a people and as a nation. Here to pay respect to all those affected by the events of 2017 are two of the world’s most powerful voices coming together for the first time: Pink and Kelly Clarkson.”
The two women joined each other onstage, collaborating for the first time in a stirring rendition of R.E.M.’s hit. Pink opened the song, striding regally across the stage in a leather moto jacket and a black gown covered with red flowers. She was then joined by Clarkson, looking just as queenly in a gold-stitched black gown befitting of her diva status. They belted out the final notes of their emotional duet to a standing ovation.
The two legendary singers had been fans of each other’s work long before this collaboration. Prior to their performance, they tweeted support at each other, each insisting the other was cause for nervous excitement.
“Gonna play it super cool whilst singing with @Pink this Sunday at the #AMAs ….but know on the inside I will be freaking the &$@! out ? #oneofthegreatestvocalistsofourgeneration #sheissorad #sundayissofarfromnow,” Clarkson tweeted on Thursday.
Pink replied, “You’re joking! I am humbly prepared to be outsung:) I adore you and I cannot wait.”
Then, earlier Sunday, both singers captioned the same rehearsal photo with some awwwww-inducing mutual fangirling.
Later on, both vocalists will sing solo. Pink is expected to treat viewers to the title track of her new album, Beautiful Trauma, a performance that will involve an aerial performance by the singer. It’s unclear what Clarkson will perform, but whatever it is, it will no doubt be just as potent as her duet with Pink.
Related: American Music Awards 2017: The Best Looks From the Red Carpet
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