Fans said this was the moment that Kelly Clarkson proved herself as a superstar, when the 20-year-old sang with her hero Reba McEntire on “Does He Love You” and held her own with the Queen of Country

Kelly Clarkson was 20 when, following her victory in American Idol’s inaugural season, she received a prize opportunity to perform alongside her idol. She selected Reba McEntire, who joined her for the country singer’s heartbreak hit “Does He Love You.” After the performance, Clarkson expressed her amazement simply: “I just sang with Reba McEntire.”

Some fans viewed singing beside a country legend as a challenge beyond winning the competition itself. Assessment was that Clarkson rose to it. McEntire handled the opening verse, demonstrating the voice that the outlet credited with keeping her at country music’s summit for more than 40 years.

Clarkson approached her portion with an R&B sensibility and gave the established ballad her own vocal character. When the pair harmonized on the central hook, described the result as mesmerizing rather than portraying Clarkson as overwhelmed by performing with her hero.

Watch the full performance on page two