Kelly Clarkson Sings “Fancy” In Kennedy Center Tribute To Reba McEntire

When it came time for the Kennedy Center Honors to name its 2018 batch of honorees, Reba McEntire served as country music’s representative. Kelly Clarkson stepped up to pay tribute to her with a performance of “Fancy.”

According to the Kennedy Center Honors’ website, this prestigious honor is bestowed upon”exceptional artists who have made enduring and indelible marks on our culture.” Anyone who followed McEntire’s career knows she fits that definition like a glove.

McEntire was recognized alongside the other honorees (including Hamilton co-creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, Cher, and several others) during a ceremony held on December 2, 2018. Other artists took to the stage to celebrate the honorees by performing covers of their famous works.

Some of the most meaningful country covers have emerged from past Kennedy Center Honors ceremonies.

For example, when Dolly Parton was recognized at the 2006 ceremony, her own duet partner, Kenny Rogers, honored her with “Islands in the Stream.” He surprised Parton by walking onstage to join Carrie Underwood on the song.

Parton enjoyed the performance so much that she truly jumped out of her seat.

Are Reba McEntire & Kelly Clarkson Related?

Many people gave a standing ovation following one powerhouse performance in McEntire’s honor at the 2018 ceremony. That performance was delivered by Kelly Clarkson, who shares a special connection with McEntire.

In addition to being good friends and frequent collaborators, Clarkson and McEntire share family connections.

In 2013, Clarkson married Brandon Blackstock, the son of McEntire’s then-husband Narvel Blackstock (they divorced in 2015). Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock eventually split as well, but she and McEntire still considered themselves family.

Sadly, Brandon Blackstock died in 2025 following a private battle with cancer.

Because of Clarkson and McEntire’s, the tears were already flowing between the two singers at the Kennedy Center Honors in 2018 before Clarkson started her performance. She spoke of how McEntire impacted her life, not just as an artist, but as a family member.

With the emotions already running high, McEntire failed to hold back her tears as Clarkson started singing “Fancy,” one of her most iconic songs.

Watch The Kennedy Center Honors Performance Of “Fancy” In The Video Below

Clarkson’s cover left many audience members visibly impressed. As the camera panned over the crowd, people seemed stunned. Some even mouthed “wow” whenever Clarkson crushed a powerful note.

But there’s no denying that McEntire was most impressed with Clarkson’s cover. She remained teary-eyed the entire time.

Now you can catch part of Kelly Clarkson’s outstanding rendition of “Fancy” by tuning in to the clip below. Then, enjoy a video of her singing the same song as a duet with McEntire several years ago!