Erik Grönwall Turns “I Will Always Love You” Into a Metal Masterpiece
When April 2024 arrived, few could have imagined that a former frontman of Skid Row would send shockwaves through the internet by releasing a cover of Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You.” The video landed on YouTube and quickly went viral, amassing over 1.1 million views in just a matter of weeks, leaving audiences stunned by the audacity and sheer talent on display.
Erik Grönwall, who had only recently recorded fresh material with Skid Row, including songs like “Not Dead Yet” and “World on Fire,” was hardly the artist fans expected to hear take on a Whitney classic. Known for his work in hard rock and metal, Erik delivered an astonishingly graceful performance, effortlessly shifting into falsettos and weaving angelic vocal lines that carried both grit and elegance.
The cover began in gentle fashion, showcasing Erik’s ability to glide across Whitney’s demanding vocal range with surprising ease. His tone added a richness that set his version apart, and as the second chorus closed, he inserted a commanding rock-infused falsetto cry of “Yeahh!” that turned the ballad into a bold crossover moment, seamlessly introducing a smooth saxophone solo that carried the song into another dimension.
As the performance advanced, the arrangement thickened with the arrival of electric guitars, heightening the drama. Erik’s soaring voice cut through the layered harmonies, shimmering with intensity, until the climactic finale where he reached Whitney Houston’s legendary high notes. Unlike many vocalists who might lean on falsetto, Erik struck those notes with raw chest voice, giving them the commanding strength of a classic rock powerhouse.
In those final moments, the combination of searing guitars and Erik’s unrestrained voice created a breathtaking collision of genres. It wasn’t just a cover anymore; it was a transformation. A metal-trained singer had conquered one of pop’s most iconic vocal challenges, bringing together the worlds of rock and soul in a way that felt both daring and seamless.
Born in Stockholm, Erik Grönwall was 36 years old at the time of this viral success. His journey in music began long before Skid Row, when he captured the hearts of his country by winning Sweden’s “Idol” competition in 2009. Riding that wave of attention, his debut single “Higher” soared to the top of the national charts, followed quickly by a self-titled debut album that also secured a #1 position. His momentum was undeniable, with “Higher” landing the #2 spot on Sweden’s year-end chart.
By 2010, Erik had stepped into the world of hard rock more fully by taking over as lead vocalist for the band H.E.A.T., succeeding Kenny Leckremo. Over the course of a decade, he recorded four studio albums with the group, leaving a lasting mark on their sound. However, in 2021, his path took a dramatic turn when he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, forcing him to pause his career to focus on survival.
Following an arduous treatment process that included a bone marrow transplant, Erik staged an incredible recovery. In 2022, he was invited to join Skid Row, lending his voice to “The Gang’s All Here,” the band’s first full-length album in sixteen years. Fans celebrated his arrival, but the strain of touring with a global rock outfit proved too risky for his immune system during recovery, leading Erik to make the difficult choice to step down by 2024.
In a candid statement released through Blabbermouth, Erik explained the reasoning behind his departure. He made it clear he was not sick again, nor was his passion for music gone. Instead, the decision came down to balance. While he cherished the thrill of being on the road, the relentless pace clashed with his need for stability after his health ordeal. He admitted the band had tried to make adjustments, but ultimately, stepping away was the most sustainable choice for him.
Despite the challenges, Erik’s career resurgence and viral cover performance reveal his unwavering talent. The Whitney Houston rendition was more than just a viral video—it was symbolic of resilience. To take on one of the most technically demanding songs in pop history, after fighting through illness and reinventing his musical path, showed fans worldwide that Erik was still evolving, still daring, and still capable of leaving audiences in awe.
For many, the appeal of Erik’s cover lies in its unpredictability. Few imagined that a metal-trained vocalist would approach such a vulnerable ballad with such tenderness, while also infusing it with the kind of raw power usually reserved for rock arenas. That contrast between fragility and strength is precisely what has captivated listeners and pushed the video into viral territory.
As Erik continues to shape his post-Skid Row journey, his “I Will Always Love You” cover stands as a landmark in his career. It represents a fusion of influences, a testament to his versatility, and an emotional reminder of what can be achieved when boundaries between genres are dissolved. In many ways, it may be the beginning of a new chapter in his artistic evolution.
For fans of both pop and rock, Erik Grönwall’s performance has highlighted how music can transcend expectations. Where once a clear division stood between heavy metal vocalists and mainstream ballads, Erik has carved out space to demonstrate that true vocal artistry knows no limits. His viral success in 2024 serves as a vibrant example of how breaking rules can sometimes lead to the most unforgettable moments in music.
Ultimately, Erik’s cover of Whitney Houston is less about imitation and more about reinvention. It celebrates a song beloved for decades while offering a completely new perspective. Through determination, survival, and artistic daring, Erik transformed “I Will Always Love You” into something deeply personal, while also universal—a statement that even after hardships, creativity and passion can still shine brilliantly.
