Why Kelly Clarkson Covered ‘My Heart Will Go On’ Even Though ‘There’s Some Songs You Don’t Want to Go Near as a Vocalist’

Kelly Clarkson may be in a league of her own as a vocalist, but even she’s nervous to follow in Céline Dion‘s footsteps.

On Friday’s The Kelly Clarkson Show, the pop star-turned-host tackled one of the biggest hits of the 1990s as her Kellyoke cover: Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On,” the theme song from 1997’s blockbuster Titanic movie. Dion’s original spent two weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1998, and Clarkson admirably channeled the Canadian superstar singer with her understated intro leading into a bombastic finale — key change and all.

Clarkson wore a magenta turtleneck pant suit for the performance and made a subtle Titanic nod with her jewelry: Her sapphire-blue ring — which could be seen on her hand clutching the microphone — recalled the Heart of the Ocean diamond necklace that plays a central role in the movie.

After the performance, Clarkson gushed to the audience about Dion. “She really is just an incredible talent. Her stunning performance at the Olympics was one of the highlights for me this summer, it was so good.”

She also explained her reason for tackling a seemingly untouchable song. “Usually I would never cover that song because there’s some songs you don’t want to go near as a vocalist,” Clarkson said. “But there’s a reason why I did that today.” The reason: Her guest on Friday’s episode was Titanic star Kate Winslet.

Below, watch Clarkson’s “My Heart Will Go On” Kellyoke cover, as well as her interview with Winslet.