Kelly Clarkson Gives Dolly Parton’s ‘9 to 5’ a Joyful New Spin
Kelly Clarkson had a memorable way of introducing herself as a daytime talk-show host: by singing one of Dolly Parton’s most recognisable songs.
When The Kelly Clarkson Show premiered on NBC in the United States on September 9, 2019, Clarkson opened the programme with her own take on Parton’s 1980 classic ‘9 to 5’.
It was a fitting choice for a singer making the jump from pop star to television host. Clarkson turned the familiar workplace anthem into a playful musical sketch that celebrated the people who keep everyday life moving.
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The former American Idol winner appeared in a series of different working roles during the performance, including construction work and waiting tables. Other versions of the opening sketch also showed her taking on jobs such as an auto mechanic, firefighter and police officer.
The video plays with the everyday frustrations at the heart of Parton’s song while giving the performance a distinctly Clarkson-style sense of humour.
The opening also featured a cameo from Steve Carell, who helped bring the pre-recorded segment into the studio performance.
Parton’s original ‘9 to 5’ was released in 1980 and became closely associated with the film of the same name. More than three decades later, Clarkson’s energetic interpretation gave the song a fresh setting as the opening number for her new television show.
The beginning of ‘Kellyoke’
The performance also offered an early glimpse of what would become one of the show’s signature features: Kellyoke, Clarkson’s recurring cover-song segment.
After just a week of shows, the segment was already attracting attention as Clarkson continued putting her own spin on songs by other artists. Among the early performances were Kelsea Ballerini’s ‘Miss Me More’ and Sia’s ‘Chandelier’.
For the show’s launch, though, Dolly Parton’s ‘9 to 5’ was the perfect starting point. Clarkson combined the song’s instantly recognisable melody with a comic look at working life, setting the tone for a programme that would put her musical talent alongside her new role as a host.
Watch Kelly Clarkson’s full ‘9 to 5’ performance below: