Kelly Clarkson paid tribute to the late Etta James last night (January 21) as she sung her track 'I'd Rather Go Blind' in New York.

The American Idol star was performing at the Radio City Music Hall when she took time out to honour James, who sadly passed away on Friday (January 20) after suffering complications of leukaemia.

Clarkson has a long standing connection to James after she performed her song 'At Last' when she auditioned for American Idol.

Speaking on stage last night, she said:

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