Jelly Roll Admits He Cried Watching Kelly Clarkson’s Powerful Cover Of “Save Me” And Reveals Just How Much The Performance Meant To Him

A cover song can be a daunting challenge, even for experienced performers. There is always the question of whether a new interpretation can live up to the original. But every so often, an artist delivers a rendition so moving that it earns the admiration of the person who created the song in the first place.

Whitney Houston’s unforgettable version of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You” and Johnny Cash’s haunting interpretation of Nine Inch Nails’ “Hurt” are two famous examples. In February 2024, Kelly Clarkson delivered a performance that left another celebrated musician deeply emotional.

During the “Kellyoke” segment of The Kelly Clarkson Show, Clarkson took on “Save Me,” one of Jelly Roll’s most personal and recognizable songs. Originally featured on his successful album Whitsitt Chapel, the track was released as a duet with country music superstar Lainey Wilson.

Clarkson approached the song with a powerful, heartfelt vocal performance, giving the original a fresh interpretation while preserving its emotional weight. Her rendition clearly struck a chord with Jelly Roll, who later shared his reaction on social media.

Jelly Roll Reveals He Cried Watching Kelly Clarkson’s Performance

Jelly Roll, who transitioned from rap into country music, has never been afraid to express his emotions through his songwriting or speak openly about what matters to him. Clarkson’s decision to cover “Save Me” proved to be a particularly meaningful moment for the singer.

Reacting to the performance, he wrote:

“I would’ve never believed you if you would’ve told me that I’d write a song so impactful that (the) incredible Kelly Clarkson would deem it worthy to cover. Thank you Kelly- wow – I’m honored in a way I can’t even describe. I cried watching it.”

His words revealed just how much Clarkson’s interpretation meant to him. Having one of the most recognizable voices in music choose to perform his work was clearly an experience he had never imagined when writing the song.

Although “Save Me” was performed as part of a recurring segment on Clarkson’s daytime talk show, she treated the material with considerable care, delivering an impassioned rendition that showcased her vocal range and ability to convey the song’s vulnerability.

The performance also highlighted the emotional strength of the original, which Jelly Roll recorded with Lainey Wilson for Whitsitt Chapel.

Kelly Clarkson Brings Her Own Power To “Save Me”

Clarkson has built a reputation for her impressive vocals and her ability to make other artists’ songs her own. Her version of “Save Me” offered another example of those strengths, earning praise from the very person whose music she had chosen to perform.

Jelly Roll’s emotional response made the moment especially memorable. Rather than simply acknowledging the cover, he openly shared how deeply it affected him, expressing gratitude for the recognition and describing an experience that left him in tears.

Whether the performance might eventually lead to a collaboration between Clarkson and Jelly Roll remains to be seen. Still, his reaction made it clear that her rendition had already created a meaningful connection between the two artists.

Watch Kelly Clarkson deliver her stirring version of Jelly Roll’s “Save Me” below.

Kelly Clarkson Covers “Save Me” By Jelly Roll | Kellyoke

Jelly Roll – “Save Me” (With Lainey Wilson) [Official Audio]