Clarkson honors James at New York show

Kelly Clarkson paid tribute to late soul legend Etta James by singing her hit track I'd Rather Go Blind during her concert in New York on Saturday (21Jan12).

The Stronger hitmaker was devastated to learn of James death on Friday (20Jan12), just five days before her 74th birthday, after suffering complications from leukemia.

Clarkson is a big fan of James, having sang her iconic track At Last for her audition on the first season of American Idol, which she went on to win.

And she remembered her idol with a touching musical tribute during her Saturday show at Radio City Music Hall.

The singer told fans, "This isn't At Last because everyone really covers that and so I wanted to do my favorite, actually. My favorite song is I'd Rather Go Blind. So, this is for Etta!"