Skid Row vocalist Erik Grönwall stunned music fans with his bold and unforgettable cover of “I Will Always Love You.” Known worldwide as a powerful ballad made famous by Whitney Houston, the song is rarely touched by rock singers—let alone transformed into a heavy rock performance. But Grönwall took on the challenge and completely made it his own.
Instead of soft strings and gentle emotion, Grönwall opened the song with a dark, dramatic tone that slowly built into a full-force rock explosion. His massive vocal range was on full display, moving effortlessly from quiet, emotional moments to screaming high notes packed with raw power. The familiar melody remained intact, but the intensity gave the song a whole new personality.
Fans were especially impressed by how Grönwall respected the original while still pushing it into new territory. Rather than copying Whitney Houston’s iconic style, he reshaped the song with heavy guitars, soaring vocals, and a dramatic rock edge. The result felt fresh, emotional, and surprisingly moving—even for listeners who never imagined the song outside a ballad setting.
The cover quickly went viral, with viewers praising Grönwall’s fearless creativity and vocal control. Many called it one of the most daring and successful rock covers of a pop classic in recent years. Once again, Erik Grönwall proved why he is one of the most exciting and versatile voices in modern rock.
Erik Grönwall’s rise in rock hasn’t been without personal challenges. In March 2024, he announced that he was leaving Skid Row, the legendary hard rock band he had fronted for two years. While some assumed it might be a simple career move, the real reason was deeply personal: his health. After being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2021 and undergoing intense treatment — including a bone marrow transplant — Grönwall said it became increasingly difficult to balance his recovery and immune health with the demanding lifestyle of a full-time touring singer.
He openly explained that his experiences with leukemia gave him a new perspective on life and priorities. Grönwall wrote that “health first” became the value he needed to live by, and although he still loved being on stage, he knew he couldn’t fully commit to the rigorous touring schedule that Skid Row requires without compromising his wellbeing.
He openly explained that his experiences with leukemia gave him a new perspective on life and priorities. Grönwall wrote that “health first” became the value he needed to live by, and although he still loved being on stage, he knew he couldn’t fully commit to the rigorous touring schedule that Skid Row requires without compromising his wellbeing.
