Kelly Clarkson to perform Dolly Parton tribute at 2022 Academy of Country Music Awards

one — and there can only ever be one — first “American Idol”: Kelly Clarkson. Catapulted to fame by winning the first season of the hit series, the living legend has stayed at the top of pop culture since the first day she crossed the world’s television screens. The multitalented, multiaward-winning powerhouse has touched the entire globe with her voice, personality and heart — becoming one of the most successful artists in history.

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Dolly Parton dedicated the 57th Academy of Country Music awards to the people of Ukraine on Monday (7 March). Opening the ceremony in Las Vegas, the “9 to 5” singer, who is famously apolitical, said: “Now, I don’t want to be political and this is not. I’d rather pass a kidney stone than do that.

Chris Willman Music WriterIt was as if the Academy of Country Music Awards put up a dare to the upcoming Grammys: Not only are we going to do a show out of Las Vegas a month ahead of yours, but we’re going to do at a stadium, we’re going to do it with four stages, we’re going to do it with no commercials (except for plenty of Prime Video trailers), and we’re going to bring it in at 2 hours, 1 minute and 24 seconds.The ACMs may not have been “Music’s Biggest Night,” but it was Music’s Most Concise Night.“We’re making history tonight,” host Dolly Parton said at the top of the show. “For the first time, we’re coming to you from Allegiant Stadium, and for the first time, we are streaming on Prime Video” — and, although it went unsaid, the truly historic part was not having a network or even cable broadcast component for a major awards show.

American Idol alum sang a rendition of Parton’s 1973 song “I Will Always Love You,” a classic that was also immortalized by in her own cover for the 1992 movie The Bodyguard.The Kelly Clarkson Show host performed the song with an acoustic guitar and piano backing, to many applauds and cheers from celebs and fans alike. Parton was particularly moved by the performance and joined Clarkson onstage with an embrace that showed how much love there is between the two country icons. The 9 to 5 singer hosted the show alongside country singers Jimmie Allen and Gabby Barrett.

moving rendition of the song “I Will Always Love You” at the 2022 ACM Awards on Monday evening.Clarkson rocked a long-sleeved black gown for the performance at the ceremony, held at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. After the “Miss Independent” singer sweetly sang a cover of the late Whitney Houston track, Parton came out on stage and greeted Clarkson.“Give it up for Dolly Parton,” Clarkson exclaimed as she left the stage.“I know that Whitney is smiling down on us tonight, so thank you very much — she would be proud of that,” Parton told the audience.We will always love @kellyclarkson ❤️ Watch the #ACMawards on @PrimeVideo! pic.twitter.com/Tp9cpPN55I“I was backstage trying not to cry my false eyelashes off — slinging snot in every direction and tears,” the “9 to 5” actress continued.

Hosted by Dolly Parton alongside by co-hosts Jimmie Allen and Gabby Barrett, the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards was a the two-hour concert event of the year live streamed globally on Prime Video tonight from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

Kelly Clarkson had one of the best performances of the night at the 2022 Academy of Country Music Awards and it was saved for the last few minutes!

Dolly Parton and Kelsea Ballerini are contributing to country music history! The stars performed together during Monday's 57th Academy Country Music Awards in Las Vegas' Allegiant Stadium.MORE: Inside ACM Awards host Dolly Parton's 56-year marriage to husband she met at 18For her performance with Dolly, Kelsea opted for a brighter look, closer to her country roots. She wore a short, baby blue romper with a banquette neckline, voluminous sleeves, and of course, brown cowboy boots.Dolly wasn't far from the country fashion, clad in a lace-up Western-style yellow top and a cowboy hat.WATCH: Kelly Clarkson to perform Dolly Parton tribute at 2022 Academy of Country Music Awards MORE: Exclusive: ACM Awards nominee Carly Pearce pays heartfelt tribute to 'inspirational' Dolly PartonFans went wild over the performance, fawning over how well the two star's voices melded together.

Southern girls stick together! Kelly Clarkson paid homage to Dolly Parton during the 2022 Academy of Country Music Awards — and sang her heart out in the process.

Kelly Clarkson paid tribute to Dolly Parton at the Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas Monday night.A dressed-in-black Clarkson kicked off the tribute with a rendition of Parton's hit, «I Will Always Love You,» made famous in Whitney Houston's .The performance brought the crowd to their feet and nearly brought Parton to tears. The «Jolene» singer, who also served as the night's host, came to the stage to say a few words about the tribute, where she was greeted with a big hug from Clarkson.«I know that Whitney is smiling down on us tonight,» Parton said while accepting the honor.

Ethan Shanfeld Kelly Clarkson paid tribute to country legend Dolly Parton at this year’s Academy of Country Music Awards with a touching performance of “I Will Always Love You.”Hosted by Parton and taking place at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, the ACM Awards are streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime Video in a two-hour format with limited commercials.After Clarkson’s performance, Parton said, “I know that Whitney is smiling down tonight” and that she was backstage “trying not to cry my eyelashes off and slinging snot in every direction.”The last time Parton hosted the ACM Awards was in 2000, but she has since hosted the rival Country Music Association Awards twice. Ahead of the show, she told Variety she was looking forward to hearing Clarkson’s spin on her iconic song. “Can’t wait to her her sing that one,” Parton said of “I Will Always Love You.” “With that voice of hers, it’ll have to be incredible.”Parton also said, “I’ve worked stadiums before.

Dolly Parton looked stunning on Monday night as she arrived at Las Vegas' Allegiant Stadium to host the 2022 Academy of Country Music Awards. Parton wore a sparkly silver and black gown, featuring dramatic fringe sleeves. In addition to her red carpet look, Parton previously told ET that she plans to have five outfit changes throughout the night. «Well, if all goes well I got five planned unless we are really running, you know, close, if I can get in them that fast,» she shared. The 76-year-old country legend is making history at the ACMs as the oldest host in the show's history alongside Jimmie Allen and Gabby Barrett, who will be the youngest host in the show's history at 22.Barrett turned 22 just two days before the annual awards show, breaking the record previously held by Wynonna Judd, who was 22 years and 10 months old in April 1987 when she co-hosted the show. Throughout her impressive career, Parton has earned 13 ACM Awards. In addition to hosting, Parton is also performing with Kelsea Ballerini and previously gushed to ET about working with the country singer. «She is so precious, so sweet and so beautiful,» Parton shared of Ballerini.

Dolly Parton looked stunning on Monday night as she arrived at Las Vegas' Allegiant Stadium to host the 2022 Academy of Country Music Awards. Parton wore a sparkly silver and black gown, featuring dramatic fringe sleeves. In addition to her red carpet look, Parton previously told ET that she plans to have five outfit changes throughout the night. «Well, if all goes well I got five planned unless we are really running, you know, close, if I can get in them that fast,» she shared. The 76-year-old country legend is making history at the ACMs as the oldest host in the show's history alongside Jimmie Allen and Gabby Barrett, who will be the youngest host in the show's history at 22.Barrett turned 22 just two days before the annual awards show, breaking the record previously held by Wynonna Judd, who was 22 years and 10 months old in April 1987 when she co-hosted the show. Throughout her impressive career, Parton has earned 13 ACM Awards. In addition to hosting, Parton is also performing with Kelsea Ballerini and previously gushed to ET about working with the country singer. «She is so precious, so sweet and so beautiful,» Parton shared of Ballerini.

Dolly Parton is gearing up for a big night. ET's Nischelle Turner spoke with the 76-year-old country star on Wednesday, and she expressed excitement about hosting the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards live from Las Vegas on March 8, with co-hosts Jimmie Allen and Gabby Barrett.«I am real excited. It is always fun to do the shows.

Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan are among the many country music stars confirmed to perform at this year's 2022 Academy of Country Music Awards.MORE: Carrie Underwood to make comeback on American Idol's upcoming series? All we knowDetails on Carrie's performance remain up in the air but it is thought she may perform alongside Jason. The singer is nominated for four awards this year, including Entertainer of the Year; she has won the award three times already and is the only female artist in history to do so.WATCH: The 57th Academy of Country Music Awards will take place on Monday 7 March 2022Luke, who is the reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year, will pre-tape a special performance of his sentimental ballad Up.