Kelly Clarkson Covered Riley Green’s Sultry Country Hit Before They Became The Voice Coaches — And Their Playful Exchange Has Viewers Hoping for a Duet

Long before Riley Green joined The Voice as a coach, Kelly Clarkson had already made her admiration for the country singer clear.

During a February 2025 episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show, Clarkson performed Green’s hit Worst Way as part of her popular Kellyoke segment, putting her own vocal spin on the romantic country song.

More than a year later, the two singers were announced as fellow coaches for Season 30 of The Voice, creating an unexpected connection between Clarkson’s earlier tribute and their new television partnership.

Kelly Clarkson Put Her Own Spin on Riley Green’s Hit

Clarkson’s performance of Worst Way showcased her ability to reinterpret songs from different genres while maintaining their original appeal.

The country track, known for its sultry lyrics and romantic atmosphere, received a distinctive treatment from the Grammy-winning singer.

Following the performance, Clarkson praised Green and encouraged viewers to explore his music.

She also mentioned that Green had described performing Worst Way as one of the biggest moments during his concerts.

Her enthusiastic comments demonstrated that she was already familiar with his work before they became colleagues on The Voice.

Riley Green Receives a Surprise Welcome From Clarkson

When Green announced his new coaching role, he shared an Instagram video revealing a playful welcome from Clarkson.

The country star celebrated his appointment by joking that people could officially start calling him coach.

Clarkson left him a voicemail expressing excitement about working alongside him.

She admitted that she was an admirer of his music and had been thrilled to learn he would be joining the show.

However, her welcome also came with a competitive warning.

Clarkson jokingly told Green that he would need plenty of practice because Team Kelly intended to defeat his team.

She even sent him a customized Voice chair so he could rehearse the show’s signature chair-turning moment.

Green enthusiastically tried out the gift, joking that he could get used to the experience.

The Voice Season 30 Brings the Singers Together

Season 30 features Green alongside Clarkson, Adam Levine and Queen Latifah.

For Green, the appointment marks a new chapter in his career as he brings his country music experience to the coaching panel.

Clarkson, meanwhile, returns as one of the show’s most successful coaches, having previously won four seasons.

Levine also entered Season 30 following his victory with Alexia Jayy during Season 29.

The Maroon 5 frontman had expressed his enthusiasm for continuing with the competition, explaining that he had enjoyed returning to the coaching role.

Could a Kelly Clarkson and Riley Green Duet Happen?

Clarkson’s earlier performance of Worst Way has added another interesting dimension to her partnership with Green.

Her admiration for his music, combined with their playful chemistry, makes a potential collaboration an appealing possibility.

Neither singer has announced plans to record or perform a duet together.

Still, Clarkson’s Kellyoke rendition offers a glimpse of how her powerful vocals might complement Green’s country style.

What began as a musical tribute on The Kelly Clarkson Show has developed into a friendly rivalry on The Voice, giving the two performers a new opportunity to share their musical talents on television.