“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
The grand celebration of American artistry took center stage on May 22nd at the 43rd Annual Kennedy Center Honors. This prestigious event recognized five extraordinary contributors to our cultural landscape: the dynamic choreographer Debbie Allen, folk music pioneer Joan Baez, classical violin virtuoso Midori, entertainment icon Dick Van Dyke, and country music legend Garth Brooks.
I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen watching this incredible lineup of performers – Derek Hough, Vanessa Hudgens, Pentatonix, Gladys Knight, Emmylou Harris, Jimmie Allen, Yo-Yo Ma, and Kelly Clarkson – pay tribute to these legends. If you missed it live, the ceremony aired on CBS June 6th and is streaming on Paramount+.
The moment that truly captivated me was Kelly Clarkson’s heartfelt tribute to Garth Brooks. Their professional relationship spans years, with Brooks making several memorable appearances on Clarkson’s talk show. But this performance transcended mere collegiality.
As Clarkson stood on that Washington D.C. stage, there was something profoundly moving about her interpretation of “The Dance” – a song Brooks released over three decades ago. Her voice, sometimes quivering with emotion, revealed the deep personal connection she’d formed with this ballad.
What made this performance especially touching was knowing the backstory. Clarkson had previously confided in Brooks that his song had become her emotional anchor during her difficult divorce journey.
“During my divorce, people offered books and advice, especially since children were involved,” she had shared with genuine vulnerability. “There’s so much shame and guilt in these situations.”
I was particularly moved when she explained her emotional revelation: “I struggled to articulate my feelings. I didn’t want to diminish what the relationship had been just because it didn’t work out as hoped. Then ‘The Dance’ played on my playlist, and suddenly everything made sense.”
The broadcast captured this magical moment in its entirety – Clarkson beginning a cappella before being joined by piano accompaniment. The cameras frequently turned to Brooks, who whispered “That’s so great” throughout her performance, visibly moved by her interpretation.
Then came the moment that brought tears to my eyes – the country music titan himself began to cry. After Clarkson delivered her final note with raw emotion, Brooks leapt to his feet in spontaneous appreciation, removed his hat, and exclaimed “Damn!” – a reaction that perfectly expressed the power of seeing your own art transformed through another artist’s personal journey.
Video
Lyrics
To describe it
But it’s funny this song fits perfectly well right here
The song is called “The Dance”
Looking back
On the memory of
The dance we shared
‘Neath the stars above
For a moment
All the world was right
But how could I have known
That you’d ever say goodbye
And now I’m glad I didn’t know
The way it all would end
The way it all would go
Our lives are better left to chance
I could have missed the pain
But I’d have had to miss the dance
Holding you
I held everything
For a moment
Wasn’t I the king?
If I’d only known
How the king would fall
Hey, who’s to say
You know I might have changed it all
And now I’m glad I didn’t know
The way it all would end
The way it all would go
Our lives are better left to chance
I could have missed the pain
But I’d have had to miss the dance
It’s my life, it’s better left to chance
I could have missed the pain
But I’d have had to miss the (dance)