Kelly Clarkson shocked to learn how ‘Björk’ is actually pronounced

If you’re not from Iceland, chances are you’re pronouncing Björk’s name as if it rhymes with “pig.” That’s not the correct way to pronounce it, though, and pop star-turned-TV host Kelly Clarkson was recently stunned when she learned the actual pronunciation.

The lesson came courtesy of Icelandic jazz revivalist Laufey, who appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show this week (June 26). In a very funny behind-the-scenes video, Laufey tries to teach Clarkson how to pronounce her own name, which is pronounced with a “v” sound rather than an “f,” as well as a vowel sound that we don’t use in most English dialects.

When Laufey reassures Clarkson that it’s normal for the host to get it a little wrong, much like English speakers mispronounce Björk (which sounds more like byuschk). But rather than finding it comforting, Clarkson is horrified to learn that she has been misspelling Björk’s name all these years.

In the end, they agree to have Clarkson say the word while Lauvey says his own name. “I’ve never lip-synched in my entire life. This is my first time doing this,” Clarkson said.

Watch the exchange below and prepare to change your own Björk discussions forever. Read the recent interview with Exclaim! With Lauvey here.