Kelly Clarkson had already put her own spin on Riley Green’s “Worst Way” before the country singer was announced as a coach on Season 30 of The Voice. Now that they are set to share the show’s coaching panel, that earlier performance has drawn fresh attention—and prompted speculation about whether the two might sing together.
Clarkson performed Green’s sultry country song during a February edition of The Kelly Clarkson Show, as part of its “Kellyoke” segment. Rather than imitate the recording, she offered her own interpretation, bringing a different vocal phrasing to the song while keeping its intimate feel.
She also used the moment to recommend Green’s music to viewers, saying, “I dig him.” At the time, the cover was a public expression of her appreciation for his work. His arrival on The Voice has given the performance a new connection to the upcoming season.
A new coach—and a friendly challenge
Green will make his coaching debut on Season 30, joining a panel that also includes Clarkson, Adam Levine and Queen Latifah. Clarkson is set to return for her 11th season as a coach; Levine is back after winning Season 29 with contestant Alexia Jayy, while Queen Latifah brings experience across hip-hop, R&B and crossover entertainment. Green will bring a contemporary country perspective to the competition.
After Green announced his new role on social media, Clarkson welcomed him in a voicemail and said she was excited to coach alongside him. Her greeting quickly turned into a playful competitive warning: she told Green that Team Kelly would be tough to beat. Clarkson also sent him a custom Voice chair to practise the button press and turn used in Blind Auditions. Green responded on Instagram, “I could get used to this!”
Their exchange suggests a warm rapport, but also establishes that Clarkson intends to compete against her new colleague. The contrast between her familiarity with the show and Green’s first season as a coach will be part of the panel’s dynamic.
Could the cover become a duet?
The prospect of a shared performance has become a talking point because Clarkson has already covered one of Green’s best-known songs and has publicly praised his music. A duet of “Worst Way” would bring those two strands together, with Clarkson revisiting the track alongside the artist who released it.
There has been no official announcement of a collaboration. For now, a performance remains speculation, not a confirmed part of Season 30. The cover and their playful welcome exchange have nevertheless given viewers a reason to wonder whether their musical connection will extend beyond coaching from the red chairs.
