Kelly Clarkson Brings a Hopeful ‘Smile’ to Kellyoke Fans With Nat King Cole Cover

Kelly Clarkson took on a classic for her talk show’s popular Kellyoke series on Thursday (Nov. 2), delivering a soulful rendition of Nat King Cole’s 1954 track, “Smile.”

“That’s the time you must keep on trying / Smile, what’s the use of crying? / You’ll find that life is still worthwhile / If you just smile,” Clarkson mused over a soothing instrumental by her band, My Band Y’all.

“Smile” was acquired by Universal Music Group from the iconic singer’s estate in January 2021, as part of a deal that included about 200 recordings with iconic songs like “Nature Boy,” “Mona Lisa,” “Unforgettable,” “The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You),” “L-O-V-E” and “When I Fall In Love.”

Clarkson, meanwhile, is fresh off the release of the deluxe issue of her 10th album, Chemistry, which contains five brand new tracks — “I Won’t Give Up,” “Did You Know,” “You Don’t Make Me Cry” featuring her daughter River Rose, “Goodbye” and “Roses” — in addition remixes of the album singles “Mine” and “Favorite Kind of High” by David Guetta and Ty Sunderland respectively. There’s also a live version of “Mine” live from The Belasco.

Chemistry was initially released on June 23 via Atlantic Records and debuted at No. 6 on the July 8-dated Billboard 200, spending a total of three weeks on the chart following its release.

Watch Clarkson cover Nat King Cole’s “Smile” below.