On April 15th, National American Sign Language Day, Kelly Clarkson announced that she would be releasing the official American Sign Language (ASL) version of her new single “I Dare You.”
The Kelly Clarkson ASL video officially dropped last Monday, and many famous faces can be spotted including deaf actress Millicent Simmonds and deaf model and activist, Nyle DiMarco.
Clarkson explained to One Country that “the song is about love, in all of its forms, in the face of adversity and choosing to love instead of fear,” so she decided to take the song one step further by making it a multi-lingual project. She partnered with several artists all over the world recording the song in their native language.
In addition to an English version, Clarkson recorded with Blas Canto from Murcia, Spain; Carolin for Glasperlenspiel from Berlin, Germany; Faouzia from Manitoba, Canada (representing Morocco); Zaz from Paris, France; and Maya Buskila from Tel-Aviv, Israel. Yes, she learned how to sing her song in each of these languages so she could record with the various artists. It was only fitting that her multi-lingual also include ASL.
Teaming up with the Deaf West Theatre
Clarkson and Atlantic Records partnered with the Deaf West Theatre to create the community-sourced ASL video. Members of the Deaf West Theatre were also recently featured in an ASL dance number on NBC’s “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist.”
Read more: NBC’s ‘Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist’ features deaf performers in ASL dance scene
In the “I Dare You,” music video, Clarkson can be spotted throughout the video signing alongside many other deaf celebrities, activists, and Deaf West Theatre members. Deaf West Theatre highlighted a full list of talent in their announcement of the video.
A few members of the deaf community, took to Twitter and Instagram to share their reactions to Clarkson’s video. Many expressing gratitude for seeing deaf people represented in the video.
This actually had me in tears. I couldn’t be any more appreciative of the inclusion of the deaf community & ASL representation for your new single. I intend to learn the interpretation of this song & enter the contest, as to join the representation since I’m also deaf. #idareyou
— Alessandra🦻🏻 (@amackin98) April 28, 2020
Inclusion is beautiful. Thanks @kellyclarkson
— Effie Parks (@OnceUponAGene) April 28, 2020
Not the first time Kelly Clarkson and ASL have crossed paths
However, this is not the first time Clarkson has interacted with the deaf community. During Deaf Awareness Month last year, she brought the founder of advocacy group DEAFinitely Dope, Matt Maxey, on her talk show, “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” He explained how interpreters are necessary for live music events and what it’s like experiencing music as a deaf person. Maxey can be spotted in the “I Dare You” video.
Also earlier this year, a story went viral about a neighborhood learning ASL so they could communicate with their deaf neighbor, Samantha Savitz. The group of 40 were named 2019’s Bostonians of the Year for their kindness. Clarkson brought them on her show to talk about their ASL classes and interacting with their neighbor!
As Maxey says, interpreters are necessary for live music events and we look forward to seeing more artists creating ASL versions of their music!
