Kelly Clarkson recalls karaoke night with Amy Winehouse before fame

Virgin Radio

17 May 2024, 11:05

Kelly Clarkson shares a touching memory of a pre-fame karaoke session with the legendary Amy Winehouse.

Singer come presenter, Kelly Clarkson, has taken us on a nostalgic journey back to a time before the world knew the powerhouse voice of Amy Winehouse.

On her talk show, Kelly reminisced about a karaoke night with Amy, painting a picture of the raw talent and star quality that was evident even before the late singer hit the big time.

Kelly dished on the experience while chatting with actress Marisa Abela, who portrays Amy in the upcoming biopic Back to Black, directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson.

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With the movie set to explore Amy’s meteoric rise and tumultuous career, it’s no wonder this heartfelt memory came to light.

"It was like before she became Amy Winehouse," Kelly revealed.

"I don't think she had a record deal or anything at that time, but we all went to karaoke, and she sang Etta James and I was like, 'Wait, what?' It was like she, just from the jump, had such a presence about her voice.

"It almost became, like, more of a character, too, like with herself throughout her career."

Talk about a moment to remember! Can you imagine belting out karaoke tunes next to a future legend?

Amy's debut album Frank dropped in 2003, and by the time her second album, Back to Black, was released in 2006, she was a global sensation.

That album didn’t just hit the charts—it smashed them, becoming one of the best-selling albums in UK history.

With hits like Rehab and Back to Black, Amy's soulful voice and raw lyrics captivated millions.

The film Back to Black delves into Amy’s incredible journey, highlighting both her stellar achievements and the darker sides of fame.

The biopic also stars Eddie Marsan as Amy’s father Mitch, and Jack O’Connell as her ex-husband Blake Civil-Fielder.

It promises to be a rollercoaster ride through Amy’s life, from her Grammy wins to her struggles with addiction and mental health.

Amy Winehouse tragically passed away in 2011 at the age of 27, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and move fans worldwide.

As Marisa Abela steps into Amy's iconic shoes, there was much debate on whether to use Amy’s original vocals or Marisa's for the film. Spoiler alert: Marisa nailed it after just one singing lesson.

"When I was prepping for the film, it was about getting a sensory experience of where Amy would have been, and how she would've felt," Marisa told Vanity Fair.

"I was gonna work as hard as I possibly could to get to that place where I am singing as Amy. Not like Amy."

At the world premiere of Back to Black in London, producer Alison Owen shared how director Sam Taylor-Johnson had initially prioritised finding a brilliant actress over a vocalist.

However, Marisa’s quick mastery of Amy’s vocal style turned heads—and ears—at Abbey Road.

Alison told virginradio.co.uk: “[Director Sam Taylor-Johnson’s] brief was very much that she wanted to find a brilliant actress who could play Amy, and that singing was not a prerequisite.

"Sam thought if we find a brilliant actress who can really make you believe that she's Amy, maybe we will use Amy's music and voice. It wasn't a pre-judged decision.”

And it was at the legendary Abbey Road studios where Marisa’s transformation truly shone.

“We took her along to Abbey Road and we were just on the floor with how brilliant she was, like she had one lesson and she was making us believe that she's Amy Winehouse. I mean, it was incredible,” Alison gushed.

As we look back on memories like Kelly Clarkson's karaoke night with Amy, it’s clear that her legacy as a musical powerhouse and beloved personality will continue to resonate for years to come.

Back to Black is still currently in cinemas.