Kelly Clarkson Goes Viral With Emotional ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ Cover

Leave it to Kelly Clarkson to take an already iconic ’80s hit and make it even more iconic. During a recent “Kellyoke” segment on “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” the singer and host stunned audiences with a powerful yet emotional rendition of the classic 1983 hit “Total Eclipse of the Heart.”

The performance quickly gained traction online, going viral in a matter of hours across social media platforms. Fans praised Clarkson’s vocal strength, heartfelt delivery, and ability to breathe a stunning new life into the nostalgic track. The song was originally released by Bonnie Tyler, and appeared on her fifth studio album, “Faster Than the Speed of Night.”

The song also featured Rory Dodd on backing vocals, quickly becoming a global sensation in an instant. In the US, it topped the Billboard Hot 100 for a total of four weeks and was the fifth best-selling single of 1983 in the UK. The song, which earned a Grammy nomination and was certified gold by the RIAA, has since surpassed six million copies in worldwide sales.

Clarkson’s rendition stayed true to the original. But it definitely added her very own emotional depth. Backed by her talented band and supporting vocalists, she delivered a performance that struck a chord with longtime fans and new listeners alike.

‘She’s Not Broken, But Reborn’

Comments poured in on the official YouTube upload of the performance, with fans celebrating Clarkson’s raw delivery. One viewer wrote, “Kelly didn’t just survive her divorce — she rebuilt herself from the ground up. Watching her now, you see a woman who’s not broken, but reborn. She’s stronger, more grounded, and radiates a kind of peace that only comes from deep healing. Her voice carries not just power, but truth — and that truth is freedom. This isn’t just Kelly Clarkson the artist anymore. This is Kelly Clarkson the warrior, the healer, the inspiration.”

Another fan added, “So good… and props to Jessi! For me, who was around when Bonnie first released this song, it just warms my heart. It was good then, with Bonnie’s raspy voice, and Kelly gave it justice by not adding much — just used those fantastic pipes of hers and let the song speak for itself. Brava!”

Someone else chimed in saying, “The song is already etched into my Gen X soul and hearing Kelly sing it lights me up.”

Uncertainty Looms Over ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’

Despite the praise, Clarkson has been making bumpy headlines this week, which has caused speculation online. This comes after rumors have surfaced, suggesting uncertainty about the future of “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” Some staff members are reportedly concerned that the show may not be renewed for another season. That being said, there still hasn’t been an official announcement made by Clarkson or NBC.

Rumors also circulated that “Today” co-anchor Hoda Kotb might be stepping in to take over Clarkson’s time slot. However, Kotb put those rumors to rest during a segment of the show on May 28.

When asked directly about the speculation, Kotb responded, “Do you think, if I ever came back to TV, do you know where the only place I would ever come back to is? Right here! This is the spot … there’s no place like home.”

She added, “Delete. Delete. Not true.”

As fans wait for official word on the show’s future, one thing remains clear, Clarkson continues to prove that her musical talent is unmatched. Safe to say she can transform even the most legendary tracks into unforgettable performances.