Kelly Clarkson Honors Etta James With Song During A Concert

Kelly Clarkson took a moment  during her concert at Radio City Music Hall in New York to give tribute to Etta James, the great R&B singer who passed away last Friday.

Kelly Clarkson told the audience that she would perform her favorite Etta James’ song, which is “I’d Rather Go Blind.” “So this is for Etta,” she said before beginning the song.

Clarkson has a special connection with James, because if it weren’t for her song, “At Last,” Clarkson could have possibly never caught the eyes and ears of the judges of Idol. She sang the song during her audition in Dallas for the very first season of Idol in front of judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson.

Etta James died on Friday, January 20, at Riverside Community Hospital from complications from leukemia. The 'At Last' singer passed away at the age of 73.