“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
The 2007 Academy of Country Music Awards witnessed a truly magical moment when Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire took the stage together. Their collaborative performance of Clarkson’s emotional hit “Because of You” wasn’t just another awards show number—it was a cultural touchstone that fans still talk about today.
When these two vocal powerhouses united, something extraordinary happened. Clarkson’s contemporary pop-rock sensibilities blended seamlessly with McEntire’s classic country storytelling approach, creating a cross-genre masterpiece that left the audience breathless. The raw vulnerability in Clarkson’s original composition found new dimensions through McEntire’s seasoned interpretation.
What made this performance particularly special was the genuine connection between the artists. Their friendship had been blossoming since their first meeting in 2002, with McEntire watching Clarkson evolve from an American Idol winner into a formidable musical force. The mutual respect between them was palpable on stage—you could feel it in every note and shared glance.
The impact of their duet extended far beyond that single evening. Their version of “Because of You” soared to the #2 position on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, demonstrating its cross-genre appeal. The recording industry recognized its brilliance with a Grammy nomination for Best Vocal Country Collaboration, cementing its place in music history.
In interviews following the performance, both artists expressed profound admiration for each other. Clarkson has frequently cited McEntire as a mentor and inspiration, while McEntire has spoken with maternal pride about Clarkson’s artistic evolution and accomplishments.
Years later, this collaboration stands as a testament to what happens when authentic talent, emotional honesty, and artistic chemistry converge. It reminds us why we connect so deeply with music—because sometimes, two voices can express what our hearts feel but cannot say.
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Lyrics
[Verse 1: Reba McEntire]
I will not make the same mistakes that you did
I will not let myself cause my heart so much misery
I will not break the way you did, you fell so hard
I’ve learned the hard way to never let it get that far
[Chorus: Reba McEntire & Kelly Clarkson]
Because of you
I never stray too far from the sidewalk
Because of you
I learned to play on the safe side so I don’t get hurt
Because of you
I find it hard to trust not only me, but everyone around me
Because of you, I am afraid
[Verse 2: Kelly Clarkson]
I lose my way
And it’s not too long before you point it out
I cannot cry because I know that’s weakness in your eyes
I’m forced to fake a smile, a laugh everyday of my life
My heart can’t possibly break
When it wasn’t even whole to start with
[Chorus: Reba McEntire & Kelly Clarkson]
Because of you
I never stray too far from the sidewalk
Because of you
I learned to play on the safe side so I don’t get hurt
Because of you
I find it hard to trust not only me, but everyone around me
Because of you, I am afraid
[Verse 3: Reba McEntire & Kelly Clarkson]
I watched you die, I heard you cry every night in your sleep
(I watched you die in your sleep)
I was so young
You should have known better than to lean on me
(I was too young for you to lean on me)
You never thought of anyone else, you just saw your pain
(You never saw me)
And now I cry in the middle of the night
For the same damn thing
[Chorus: Reba McEntire & Kelly Clarkson]
Because of you
I never stray too far from the sidewalk
Because of you
I learned to play on the safe side so I don’t get hurt
Because of you
I find it hard to trust not only me, but everyone around me
Because of you, I am afraid
[Outro: Reba McEntire]
Because of you
Because of you