Kelly Clarkson took on Hozier’s chart-topping hit “Too Sweet” with a cover that oozes emotion and brings a fresh depth to the song. Her smooth yet powerful vocals transform every note into a heart-wrenching moment, leaving fans captivated by her ability to infuse the track with raw feeling.
Hozier achieved his first-ever No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 last year with “Too Sweet”, a song from his March 2024 EP Unheard. The track quickly ascended the charts, reaching the top spot in April. While Hozier has been a prominent figure in music for years, particularly known for his 2014 hit “Take Me to Church”, “Too Sweet” stands out as a milestone in his career. Interestingly, “Take Me to Church” peaked at No. 2 for three consecutive weeks, behind Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space”, marking his first Top 10 hit but never reaching the coveted No. 1 spot.
In her latest Kellyoke segment, Clarkson delivered a flawless rendition of “Too Sweet”, once again demonstrating her vocal range and emotive delivery. Her version not only captivated the studio audience but also won over viewers at home. Clarkson’s voice, known for its strength and versatility, gave a unique twist to the song, while staying true to Hozier’s original intent. The way she tackled the song infused it with a rock-infused energy that made it feel like a brand-new track altogether.
“Too Sweet,” as Hozier explained to Billboard, uses a phrase typically considered derogatory, often implying someone’s outward sweetness is insincere. The song cleverly disguises its true meaning, similar to the Southern phrase “bless your heart”—it sounds polite, but can carry a veiled insult. Hozier’s success with the track has been a pleasant surprise, especially given that it’s resonated with fans commercially as much as it has critically.
In discussing the track’s rise to No. 1, Hozier shared, “It kind of just put wind in the sails of a ship that was already sort of moving.” Despite his established fanbase, the success of “Too Sweet” has been an added bonus to his career, something he describes as “a cherry on the cake.”
Kelly Clarkson’s performance was no exception to her long history of stellar Kellyoke covers. Known for her ability to bring a unique flair to any song, Clarkson once again delivered a performance full of grace, attitude, and vocal power. Her version of “Too Sweet” proves yet again that Clarkson has the magic touch when it comes to reimagining songs while respecting their original essence.
