Kelly Clarkson Covers Nat King Cole's Classic Hit 'Unforgettable' for Kellyoke Segment on MLK Day

Kelly Clarkson is jazzing up her Kellyoke segment! Slowing down the tempo for the Monday episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show, the 40-year-old host

performed a charming cover of Nat King Cole's 1951 jazz classic "Unforgettable" in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day during the daily segment. During the performance,

Clarkson wore a flowing red dress with a matching belt, as she was backed by an upright bass, keys, drums and the works — giving the moment the classic feel it deserved.

RELATED: Watch Kelly Clarkson Perform 2004's 'Breakaway' as a Duet with Sam Smith During Kellyoke Segment With blue lights backing the "Breakaway" musician and her

band, which is fittingly called My Band Y'all, Clarkson delivered a strong vocal performance that was met with thunderous applause from her live studio audience. "That was

'Unforgettable' by Nat King Cole, who was an outspoken voice in the Civil Rights Movement as well as just one of the greatest artists ever," Clarkson said after the performance.

"He was the first African-American to host a network TV show. I did not know that. I thought that was cool information." Clarkson then continued giving her crowd a history

lesson on Cole, adding that he'd sue hotels that wouldn't let him stay the night and also marched on Washington with Dr. King in 1963. "Before his passing, Martin Luther

King Jr. actually wrote him a telegram saying, 'You have my constant prayers, I will always be indebted to you for your support in this struggle,' which is an incredible thing I

didn't know as well."