Kelly Clarkson had already put her own spin on Riley Green’s “Worst Way” before the country singer was announced as her fellow coach on Season 30 of The Voice. Their new partnership has brought fresh attention to her earlier performance—and prompted speculation about whether the two might eventually sing together. No duet has been announced.
Clarkson performed Green’s romantic country hit in a Kellyoke segment on The Kelly Clarkson Show. Rather than imitate his recording, she gave the song her own vocal interpretation while keeping its melody and romantic tone intact. The studio audience responded enthusiastically, and Clarkson spoke warmly about Green’s music after the performance, encouraging viewers to check him out.
The cover now has an added connection: Green is joining Clarkson in the coaching chairs for the NBC competition’s upcoming 30th season. Clarkson has served as a coach for 10 seasons and won with contestants four times; the new season will be her 11th stint on the panel. Green, by contrast, will be taking on the coaching role for the first time.
Clarkson welcomed him in a video message shared as part of Green’s announcement. She said she was excited to coach alongside him and praised his artistry, then shifted into playful competition, warning that Team Kelly would be tough to beat. She also sent Green a customized Voice chair, giving him a chance to try out one of the show’s signature features. Green appeared pleased with the gift in the video.
The Season 30 panel also includes Adam Levine, returning after winning Season 29 with contestant Alexia Jayy, and Queen Latifah. Green brings a country-music background to a lineup that includes coaches with experience in other genres, while Clarkson and Levine arrive with previous victories on the show.
For now, the connection between Clarkson and Green is a cover followed by a coaching partnership—not a confirmed collaboration. Still, the combination of Green’s original “Worst Way,” Clarkson’s Kellyoke interpretation and their friendly rivalry on The Voice gives viewers a reason to imagine what a shared performance could sound like. Any prospect of a duet remains speculation until the artists announce one.
