On November 19, 2017, the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles became the epicenter of an emotional earthquake that reverberated far beyond its walls. The 45th American Music Awards (AMAs), hosted by Tracee Ellis Ross, was a night of glitz, glamour, and unforgettable performances, but it was the opening act by Kelly Clarkson and Pink that left the audience—and the world—in awe. Their soul-stirring duet of R.E.M.’s “Everybody Hurts” was more than a performance; it was a raw, heartfelt tribute to the first responders who had faced a year marked by natural disasters, violence, and division. As the notes soared and the stage lights dimmed, Jelly Roll wiped tears from his eyes, while Keith Urban stood cheering, and the entire auditorium trembled with emotion. This was a moment that transcended music, uniting hearts in a shared testament to resilience, love, and the timeless power of song.

A Year of Trials, A Night of Unity

The 2017 AMAs arrived at a time when the United States was grappling with a tumultuous year. From devastating hurricanes in Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico to tragic mass shootings in Las Vegas and Sutherland Springs, the nation had been tested by crisis after crisis. The AMAs, known for celebrating fan-voted achievements in music, took on a deeper purpose that night: to honor the heroes who emerged in the face of adversity. Jamie Foxx, accompanied by his daughter Corinne, set the stage with an emotional speech that acknowledged the first responders standing behind him. “This year was a year that tested our faith,” Foxx said. “In these moments of crisis, heroes emerged.” His words set a somber yet hopeful tone, preparing the audience for what would become one of the most unforgettable moments in AMA history.

As Foxx stepped aside, Kelly Clarkson and Pink took the stage, their presence commanding yet vulnerable. The choice of “Everybody Hurts,” a 1992 classic by R.E.M., was deliberate. Written as a meditation on pain, loss, and hope, the song’s universal message resonated deeply in a year marked by collective grief. Clarkson and Pink, both known for their powerhouse vocals and emotional authenticity, were the perfect artists to deliver this tribute. Their performance was not about spectacle or showmanship; it was about stripping away the artifice and letting their voices carry the weight of the moment.

The Power of Two Icons

Kelly Clarkson, the original American Idol winner, has long been celebrated for her vocal prowess and ability to connect with audiences. Since her 2002 debut, she has amassed three Grammy Awards, four American Music Awards, and a reputation as one of the most versatile performers in music. Her 2017 album, Meaning of Life, marked a soulful evolution in her sound, and her performance at the AMAs was a testament to her ability to channel raw emotion into every note. Pink, meanwhile, is a force of nature—a pop-rock icon whose daring performances and fearless authenticity have earned her three Grammys, seven AMAs, and a global fanbase. Her 2017 album, Beautiful Trauma, showcased her ability to blend vulnerability with strength, making her the ideal partner for this tribute.

Together, Clarkson and Pink were a study in contrasts and complements. Clarkson’s soulful, gospel-infused delivery paired seamlessly with Pink’s raw, gritty intensity. As they began singing, the audience fell silent, hanging on every word. “When your day is long / And the night, the night is yours alone,” they sang, their voices intertwining in perfect harmony. The simplicity of the arrangement—just their voices, a piano, and subtle strings—allowed the lyrics to shine, each line a reminder of shared humanity. By the time they reached the chorus, “Everybody hurts / Sometimes,” the auditorium was a sea of emotion, with first responders standing solemnly in the background and audience members visibly moved.

Jelly Roll’s Tears, Keith Urban’s Cheers

Among those in the audience were some of music’s biggest names, and their reactions underscored the impact of the performance. Jelly Roll, the rising country and hip-hop artist known for his raw, introspective lyrics, was seen wiping tears from his eyes. Having faced his own struggles with addiction and incarceration before breaking through with songs like “Son of a Sinner,” Jelly Roll was no stranger to personal hardship. The emotional weight of Clarkson and Pink’s performance, coupled with the tribute to first responders, clearly struck a chord. His tears were a silent testament to the power of music to heal and connect, even in the most trying times.

Keith Urban, a four-time Grammy winner and country music superstar, was equally affected but expressed his emotions in a different way. As Clarkson and Pink hit the song’s climactic notes, Urban leapt to his feet, cheering and clapping with unrestrained enthusiasm. His wife, Nicole Kidman, seated beside him, joined in the applause, their shared admiration for the performance palpable. Urban, who would later win three AMAs that night for Favorite Male Artist – Country, Favorite Country Album, and Favorite Country Song, was visibly moved by the tribute. His standing ovation was a spontaneous outpouring of respect for both the performers and the first responders they honored.

The contrast between Jelly Roll’s quiet tears and Urban’s exuberant cheers captured the spectrum of emotions in the room. The performance was a cathartic release, a moment where grief, gratitude, and hope converged. As Clarkson and Pink embraced at the end of the song, the audience rose to its feet, delivering a standing ovation that seemed to shake the very walls of the Microsoft Theater.

A Performance That Transcended the Stage

What made this moment so extraordinary was its authenticity. Clarkson and Pink, both mothers and artists known for their emotional honesty, brought a rawness to the performance that felt almost sacred. “I’m a huge fan of Pink,” Clarkson had said in an interview with Entertainment Weekly prior to the event. “I think if you project it enough, it might happen, right?” Her excitement was evident on social media, where she tweeted, “Gonna play it super cool whilst singing with @Pink this Sunday at the #AMAs. But know on the inside I will be freaking the &$@! out.” Pink, too, expressed her admiration for Clarkson, noting their shared commitment to delivering performances that come from the heart.

The duet was a first for the two artists, whose fanbases had long clamored for a collaboration. Their chemistry was undeniable, with Clarkson’s warm, resonant tone balancing Pink’s edgy, soulful delivery. The performance was not without its challenges—both artists later admitted to feeling nervous at the outset—but by the halfway mark, they had settled into a groove, their voices blending in a way that felt effortless yet profound. Critics and fans alike praised the performance as one of the night’s highlights, with Billboard calling it “a soul-stirring opener that set the tone for a night of unity and celebration.”

The tribute’s impact extended beyond the auditorium. Social media platforms, particularly X, erupted with reactions from fans around the world. “Kelly Clarkson and Pink just broke my heart and put it back together,” one user wrote. “That was more than a performance—it was a moment of healing.” Another fan tweeted, “Jelly Roll crying, Keith cheering, and the whole room standing—this is why music matters.” The hashtag #AMAs2017 trended globally, with clips of the performance racking up millions of views within hours.

A Night of Memorable Moments

While Clarkson and Pink’s duet was the emotional centerpiece of the evening, the 2017 AMAs were filled with other unforgettable moments. The night also featured powerful performances from artists like BTS, Demi Lovato, and Imagine Dragons with Khalid, each bringing their own energy to the stage. Christina Aguilera’s tribute to Whitney Houston, honoring the 25th anniversary of The Bodyguard, was another highlight, though it drew mixed reactions. Pink’s facial expression during Aguilera’s performance sparked a brief online frenzy, with some interpreting it as shade, though Pink quickly clarified on X that she was a fan of Aguilera and meant no disrespect.

The night also belonged to Diana Ross, who received the American Music Award for Lifetime Achievement. Introduced by her daughter, Tracee Ellis Ross, the Motown legend performed a medley of her greatest hits, including “I’m Coming Out” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” Her performance, which concluded with her family joining her on stage, was a celebration of legacy and love, echoing the themes of unity that defined the evening.

Bruno Mars led the night with seven awards, including Artist of the Year, while Keith Urban took home three. But it was Clarkson and Pink’s opening act that set the emotional tone for the night. Their performance was a reminder that music has the power to unite, heal, and inspire, even in the darkest of times.

The Legacy of a Moment

The “emotional earthquake” caused by Clarkson and Pink’s performance was felt long after the AMAs concluded. The duet was widely regarded as one of the most memorable moments in the show’s 45-year history, a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries and touch hearts. For Clarkson, the performance was a milestone in a career defined by emotional authenticity. For Pink, it was another example of her ability to push boundaries while staying true to her roots. Together, they created a moment that was both a tribute to heroes and a celebration of the human spirit.

Jelly Roll’s tears and Keith Urban’s cheers were more than just reactions; they were symbols of the universal impact of the performance. Jelly Roll, whose music often explores themes of redemption and resilience, found solace in the song’s message of hope. Urban, a seasoned performer who knows the power of a live audience, recognized the magic of the moment and couldn’t stay seated. Their responses mirrored those of millions watching at home, who saw in Clarkson and Pink’s performance a reflection of their own struggles and triumphs.

In the days following the AMAs, the performance continued to spark conversation. Articles in People, CBS News, and Entertainment Voice praised the duet as a defining moment of the night, while fans shared their own stories of how “Everybody Hurts” had touched their lives. The performance was a reminder that music is more than entertainment—it’s a lifeline, a way to process pain and find hope. For Clarkson and Pink, it was a chance to use their voices for something greater than themselves, honoring the heroes who risk everything to save others.

A Testament to the Power of Music

As the lights dimmed on the 2017 AMAs, the memory of Clarkson and Pink’s performance lingered. It was a moment that captured the essence of what makes music so powerful: its ability to bring people together, to heal wounds, and to remind us of our shared humanity. The image of Jelly Roll crying, Keith Urban cheering, and the entire auditorium standing in unison was a snapshot of a world united by song.

For Kelly Clarkson and Pink, the performance was a career-defining moment, a reminder of why they do what they do. Their voices, raw and unfiltered, carried the weight of a nation’s grief and gratitude. For the audience, it was a cathartic experience, a chance to honor the past while looking toward a hopeful future. And for the millions watching at home, it was a reminder that even in the darkest times, music has the power to light the way.

The 2017 AMAs will be remembered for many things, but it is the “emotional earthquake” caused by Kelly Clarkson and Pink that will echo through the years. Their performance was a farewell to pain, a revival of memories, and a testament to the enduring power of music. In a world that often feels divided, their voices reminded us that sometimes, everybody hurts—and sometimes, everybody heals.