In April 2024, Erik Grönwall, the former lead singer of the legendary heavy metal band Skid Row, shocked the internet with a jaw-dropping cover of Whitney Houston’s iconic song, “I Will Always Love You.” The video, posted on YouTube, went viral in no time, racking up an incredible 1.1 million views in just a few months!
Erik, known for his powerful rock vocals on songs like “Not Dead Yet” and “World on Fire” from Skid Row’s latest album, might seem like an unexpected choice to take on Whitney’s soulful ballad. But the way he transformed the song was nothing short of magical. Erik’s ability to mix his hard rock roots with the tender, emotional essence of the song left listeners captivated.
The performance starts gently, showing off Erik’s smooth, flawless voice as he tackles Whitney’s challenging vocal runs with ease. It’s clear he can handle every twist and turn of the song. Then, just when you think you know what to expect, Erik adds his own rock star flair. As the second chorus wraps up, he lets loose with a signature falsetto “Yeahhh!” that sets the stage for a stunning saxophone solo.
By the final chorus, the energy ramps up. Electric guitars roar to life, adding a thrilling rock vibe to the song. Erik’s voice rises above it all, crystal-clear and commanding, as he belts out Whitney’s legendary high notes—not with falsetto, but with the raw, powerful chest voice of a true rock vocalist. It’s a moment that gives chills.
Erik Grönwall, born in Stockholm, Sweden, was 36 years old when this viral cover made waves. His journey to fame began back in 2009 when he won the Swedish TV show “Idol.” Riding the wave of his win, his debut single “Higher” shot to the top of the Swedish charts, followed by his self-titled album, which also claimed the #1 spot. “Higher” even became the second biggest song of the year in Sweden in 2009.
In 2010, Erik joined the Swedish hard rock band H.E.A.T. as their new frontman, replacing the original singer, Kenny Leckremo. Over the next decade, Erik recorded four studio albums with the band and became a well-known figure in the rock and metal world. However, in 2021, his career hit a major roadblock when he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
Despite the life-threatening illness, Erik fought back with incredible determination. After undergoing a bone marrow transplant and a tough recovery process, Erik made an inspiring comeback. In 2022, he joined Skid Row and lent his powerful vocals to their first album in 16 years, “The Gang’s All Here.” Unfortunately, touring with a world-class rock band proved too risky for his recovering immune system. In 2024, Erik made the difficult decision to step away from the band.
In a heartfelt statement to Blabbermouth, Erik addressed the situation:
“Let me be perfectly clear before the media starts with all this clickbait st. I am NOT sick. And it’s not like I don’t want to tour—I love being on the road. I just need a better balance. Of course, we tried to find the right balance as a band, but in the end, I realized it was better for me to step aside.”**
Luckily, Erik’s talents found a new home online. His YouTube channel, with over 117,000 subscribers, has become a hub for incredible music. Erik regularly posts covers, vlogs, and behind-the-scenes content. Some of his most popular covers include “Without You” by Mariah Carey and Bon Jovi’s classic “Livin’ On A Prayer.”
If you want to hear more from this amazing artist, don’t miss out! Subscribe to his YouTube channel for more breathtaking music, and follow Erik on Facebook and Instagram for updates. You can also check out his website to stay in the loop.
So, what do you think of Erik Grönwall’s incredible journey and his stunning Whitney Houston cover? Let us know in the comments below!
