"Since U Been Gone" has been a beloved song since Kelly Clarkson released her breakup bop in 2004, and it's just been updated for 2023. The new version debuted at the annual NFL Honors ceremony hosted by Clarkson on Thursday, February 9. It's a duet starring Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins, who Clarkson is surprised to find "can actually sing" and playfully lampoons the NFL's longtime Member league star Tom Brady.
Clarkson, who was already on stage in a Dallas Cowboys-style gown when Cousins came out, said he "wanted to sing a short tribute song to Tom Brady on behalf of all the other quarterbacks in the NFL." His fellow quarterback had already announced his re-retirement on social media on February 1 ("forever," Brady told fans), so it was the perfect time to celebrate him and prank him. That's exactly what Cousins and Clarkson did when they penned new lyrics to "Since U Been Gone."
"Tom won seven and ended up winning 10," Cousins said of Brady's Super Bowl dominance. "Now Tom is on a beach somewhere, so maybe Kirk can win."
Clarkson had to pause there to praise him, then clarified that it wasn't so much a tribute as a celebration of what Brady's retirement means to other players. "I think Brady retiring is good for him and good for us," she said. Then she really gets into high gear and sings new Brady lyrics: "Cause now he's gone, the team has hope for the first time/Brady move on, yeah, yeah/For the GOAT, it's A summary/Now he just posts Now he's gone, thirsty."
The show's producers didn't miss the opportunity to show off Brady's deleted thirst trap. As Clarkson sang about the recent post, a photo appeared on the big screen behind her of the veteran quarterback wearing only a pair of briefs, legs spread and hands covering only what she absolutely had to cover place. Meanwhile, cameras in the stands captured the hilarious reaction of Los Angeles Chargers player Derwin James.
Many viewers on social media enjoyed the moment. "Kelly Clarkson and Kirk Cousins singing together about Tom Brady and a picture of Tom Brady in his underwear on the big screen...this is incredible," one fan wrote . Another called it "the Tom Brady tribute song we all need," while another thought it was a "good parody" and praised Cousins' "pipeline."
After the show, Clarkson — who also mocked many of the other players — shared a fun night she had. "Thank you so much @NFL for the honor!" she wrote on Instagram. "I had a blast hosting tonight. See you at the Super Bowl!" To top it all off, she also posted a separate post showing her hanging out with Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith and the team's current top quarterback Dak Prescott photo. Fittingly, the Cowboys' Instagram responded to the best comment: "Moments like this."
