Kelly Clarkson Soars With ‘Learn to Fly’ Foo Fighters Cover on Kellyoke

Rock, pop, country? You name it, Kelly Clarkson can nail it. On her daytime talker on Thursday (April 3) Clarkson did it again with a soaring cover of the Foo Fighters’ 1999 anthem “Learn to Fly” during the daily Kellyoke segment. With her My Band Y’all band providing muscular backing, Clarkson gave the rock classic a melancholy makeover, injecting an extra layer of longing into Dave Grohl’s lyrics, as well as, of course, busting out one of signature paint-peeling high notes.

“I just had, like, a lot of caffeine and I’m running hot is what’s happening right now!,” a revved up Clarkson told her studio audience after the performance. The singer noted that she had the Foos on her show a few years ago and she talked to singer/guitarist Grohl about “Learn to Fly,” and how she thought the lyrics had so much deep meaning. “He was like, ‘no, I really just wanted to become a pilot,’” she said Grohl told her.

“I’m still callin’ b.s.,” Clarkson said with a finger wave. “You’re trying to be funny man, but it’s such a deep song! It’s such a cool song! He’s poetic, just lean into it Dave! You could be a pilot and a poet.”

In addition to rocking, out, Clarkson also made some dreams come true for her old friend Tanner Smith from the Netflix dating show Love on the Spectrum, which chronicles the dating lives of autistic adults. She played a clip from the last time Smith was on the show and invited him back to catch up on what he’s been up to and talk about his dating life. She also recalled that last time Smith was on he got a special video greeting from his favorite actor, A Minecraft Movie star Jack Black, after which he set a goal of meeting the energetic star in real life before turning 31.

Clarkson asked Black to make another video for Smith, in which he lamented that he once again could not be there in person because he’s out promoting the big screen video game adaptation. But then, summoning his “insane ninja kung fu powers,” Black burst through the studio doors and ran out on stage into a surprised Smith’s arms.

Smith jumped up, yelling “Jack is here! I’m so happy to meet you! I’m your biggest fan!” bear hugging the actor and introducing him to his younger sister and family in the audience. The sweet moment got even sweeter when the two men bonded over their love of working out, with Smith suggesting he could get Black’s number so they can set up a time to work out together. Black burst out in laughter at the suggesting and high-fived Smith, promising, “this is happening!”

“I love you on the show and I can’t wait for the next season and I’m so happy for you having all this success and time in your life and to meet yo in person is really amazing for me too,” Black said as the two sat arm-in-arm during the lovefest. “Thank you Miss Kelly, thank you so much! This is the best day of my life,” Smith said as Clarkson melted down in happy tears.

Black will host Saturday Night Live this weekend with musical guests Elton John and Brandi Carlile.

Watch Clarkson’s Foos cover and Black’s sweet surprise below.