Kelly Clarkson and Garth Brooks Deliver a Stunning Rendition of “Shallow,” Bridging Country and Pop in a Powerful Duet
When Kelly Clarkson and Garth Brooks joined forces to cover Shallow from A Star Is Born, the result was nothing short of magical. Originally performed by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper in the 2018 blockbuster film, the song had already established itself as one of the defining ballads of the decade. Yet, with Clarkson’s powerhouse vocals and Brooks’ deep, soulful delivery, this cover brought an entirely new dimension to the song. Their performance was not just a reinterpretation; it was a masterclass in storytelling, proving that great music transcends genre and generation.
Kelly Clarkson’s ability to deliver emotional depth and sheer vocal power has long been her signature. From her American Idol victory in 2002 to her evolution into a versatile pop and country artist, Clarkson has built a career on her ability to adapt songs and make them her own. She has a history of covering classic tracks, always bringing new life to them while respecting their original essence. Her respect for country music is well-documented, with collaborations and tributes to icons like Reba McEntire and Trisha Yearwood.
On the other hand, Garth Brooks is nothing short of a legend in country music. With a career spanning decades and record-breaking album sales, Brooks has built a reputation as one of the most electrifying live performers of all time. His deep, resonant voice carries a storytelling quality that makes every song feel intimate and personal. Though primarily a country artist, Brooks has never shied away from genre experimentation, making his pairing with Clarkson on Shallow a natural yet exciting collaboration.
The song itself, Shallow, was written by Lady Gaga, Andrew Wyatt, Anthony Rossomando, and Mark Ronson. It was designed to be the emotional centerpiece of A Star Is Born, capturing the fragile yet powerful connection between two artists navigating love, ambition, and self-destruction. With its soaring chorus and dramatic key changes, the song demands vocalists who can channel raw emotion and technical precision—something both Clarkson and Brooks delivered effortlessly.
Their rendition was unique in its balance. Clarkson took on Gaga’s role, infusing the song with her signature strength and vulnerability, while Brooks provided a grounded, steady counterbalance in the duet. Instead of simply mimicking the original, they reinterpreted it in a way that felt more rooted in storytelling than spectacle. The result was a version that felt equally suited to the stage of the Grand Ole Opry as it did to a sold-out pop arena.
Upon release, the performance quickly gained attention from fans of both artists, as well as those who admired the original song. Social media erupted with praise, with many noting how seamlessly Clarkson and Brooks’ voices blended despite their different backgrounds. While Shallow had already won an Academy Award and a Grammy, this cover proved its adaptability, reinforcing its status as a modern classic capable of being reimagined across musical styles.
What made this performance particularly powerful was the way it bridged two seemingly different musical worlds. Country and pop have always had moments of crossover, but few collaborations have felt as natural as this one. Clarkson, with her pop and country influences, and Brooks, a pure country storyteller, created a rendition that felt universal. It wasn’t just a duet—it was an example of music’s ability to bring different audiences together.
The influence of Shallow has extended far beyond the original film, with numerous artists attempting their own interpretations. However, few covers have captured the spirit of the song as authentically as Clarkson and Brooks did. Their version stood as a testament to the song’s ability to transcend its cinematic roots and become a true contemporary standard.
In the broader landscape of music history, duets have often played a significant role in defining eras and genres. From Johnny Cash and June Carter to Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers, the chemistry between two powerful voices has always created something greater than the sum of its parts. Clarkson and Brooks’ Shallow performance followed in that tradition, proving that when two artists of their caliber come together, the result is pure magic.
At the time of their performance, both artists were at fascinating points in their careers. Clarkson had firmly established herself as a multi-genre artist and a beloved television personality, while Brooks had continued to sell out stadiums despite decades in the industry. Their collaboration served as a reminder of their versatility and their ability to resonate with audiences across multiple generations.
Over time, Shallow will likely remain one of the most iconic ballads of its era, but this cover will be remembered as one of its standout reimaginings. It wasn’t just a tribute to a great song—it was an example of how music can evolve while staying true to its emotional core. The authenticity of Clarkson and Brooks’ performance ensured that it wouldn’t just be a fleeting moment of viral attention but a lasting testament to the power of collaboration.
Few performances manage to capture both the technical brilliance and the raw emotion that Shallow demands, but this one did just that. It reinforced why Clarkson is one of the most gifted vocalists of her generation and why Brooks remains one of the most respected figures in country music. Together, they created a rendition that was not only unforgettable but also a benchmark for future duets aiming to achieve the same level of impact.
Ultimately, Kelly Clarkson and Garth Brooks didn’t just sing Shallow—they lived it in that moment. Their chemistry, vocal precision, and deep understanding of the song’s meaning made this performance stand out as one of the most powerful collaborations in recent memory. Whether country or pop, old-school or new-school, great music is great music—and this was proof of that in its purest form.
