Kelly Clarkson says 'Golden' finale was very hard, remembers Dolly Parton

Kelly Clarkson told Late Night With Seth Meyers on Monday, Sept. 21 that singing “Golden” to close The Kelly Clarkson Show was very, very hard.

The singer was describing her choice for the final episode of the daytime programme. “Golden”, from KPop Demon Hunters, was the song viewers had asked for most as a Kellyoke, the opening slot where she performed cover versions, across the show’s seven-year run. She said that was why she saved it for last, according to Billboard.

She said she had never worked that hard to prepare any other cover. The song sits very high and keeps moving higher as it goes.

She wanted insurance. Clarkson said she taped two extra versions as backup in case her voice tired on the night.

Clarkson also spoke about returning to The Voice for season 30. She will sit alongside Adam Levine, Queen Latifah and Riley Green, Billboard reported.

The conversation turned to Dolly Parton, who died on Aug. 25 at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer. Clarkson recalled meeting Parton at a large music event, where Parton stopped to talk with her in what Clarkson described as a sweet way.

For viewers who followed the daytime run, the detail explains the send-off. The Kelly Clarkson Show ended on Monday, Aug. 31 after seven seasons. NBC lists the Meyers interview as “Kelly Clarkson Says ‘Golden’ Was a Hard Kellyoke Song, Remembers Dolly Parton.”