Forever Country Cover Series: Clare Dunn Covers Lee Ann Womack’s ‘I Hope You Dance’

“I Hope You Dance” was released during the beginning of the 2000s, and won both the CMA Awards for Song of the Year and Single of the Year in 2000.

Written by Kelly Brickey
Forever Country Cover Series: Clare Dunn Covers Lee Ann Womack’s ‘I Hope You Dance’
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It takes a big voice to conquer the massive country hit by Lee Ann Womack, “I Hope You Dance,” but Clare Dunn proved she’s got the strong vocals to cover the track flawlessly for the Forever Country Cover Series.

Known by many as the ultimate send-off song after graduations and big life celebrations, “I Hope You Dance” has remained a radio staple throughout the years. The beautiful ballad crossed over to a number of formats, but Dunn uses her powerful voice and subtle twang to bring the cover back to its original country home.

Recognizing the impact the song has had on so many people across music, Dunn wanted to show her love of the track by taking it on for the 50th anniversary of the CMAs celebration.

“I chose to cover Lee Ann Womack’s ‘I Hope You Dance’ because number one, I remember when this song came out and it was such a huge song. I just remember it’s just a song I’ve always loved. I loved it when it came out. It’s one of those classic, timeless songs of our genre and it’s been amazing what it did for country music and our genre was just absolutely amazing. With being ‘Song of the Year’ and just a beautiful message that I think appeals to so many people, it appealed to me and I’ve taken the words to heart. I’ve always tried to dance and not sit it out when it comes to life. So that’s why I chose it. Congratulations to the CMAs for 50 years. It’s just been so awesome and I’m so excited that songs like this see the light of day and they are rewarded like ‘I Hope You Dance’ has been rewarded,” she told Sounds Like Nashville exclusively.

“I Hope You Dance” was released during the beginning of the 2000s, and won both the CMA Awards for Song of the Year and Single of the Year in 2000. It also led to the honor of the CMA Award for Musician of the Year in 2000 as well.

The Forever Country Cover Series is running in coordination to the celebration of the 50th Annual CMA Awards. On the anniversary’s website, fans can check out more covers and listen to the collaboration song called “Forever Country,” which put together over 30 country artists from then and now in a beautifully-created medley of hits.

The 50th Annual CMA Awards will air live from the Bridgestone Arena in downtown Nashville on Wednesday, November 2, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.