Kelly Clarkson had already put her own spin on Riley Green’s “Worst Way” before the country singer joined her as a coach on Season 30 of The Voice. Their new connection has brought fresh attention to her earlier performance—and prompted speculation about whether the pair might ever sing together.
Clarkson performed Green’s romantic country hit during a Kellyoke segment on The Kelly Clarkson Show. Rather than copy the original recording, she brought her own phrasing and vocal delivery to the song while retaining its romantic feel. The studio audience responded enthusiastically.
Afterward, Clarkson praised Green and encouraged viewers to check out his music. She also noted that he had described “Worst Way” as one of the biggest moments in his live concerts. The performance showed her appreciation for his work before the two were set to share a coaching panel.
A new partnership on The Voice
Green’s appointment as a coach brought him into the competition alongside Clarkson, who returned for her 11th stint in the red chair. The original American Idol winner had coached for 10 previous seasons and guided contestants to victory four times.
The Season 30 panel also included Adam Levine, returning after winning Season 29 with Alexia Jayy, and Queen Latifah. Green was a newcomer to coaching on the show, while his fellow coaches brought experience with its format.
When Green announced the role on Instagram, Clarkson welcomed him in a voicemail shared in a video. She said she was excited to coach alongside him and, in a playful turn, warned that Team Kelly would be tough competition. Clarkson also sent him a customized Voice chair, which Green tried out in the clip.
Will they perform together?
The coaching partnership has given Clarkson’s earlier “Worst Way” cover a new context: the song’s original artist and its Kellyoke interpreter are now working on the same program. That has made a duet an appealing possibility for fans imagining how their musical styles might sound together.
But no joint performance was confirmed. For now, their connection is defined by Clarkson’s public admiration for Green, her earlier interpretation of his song and their playful start as fellow coaches on The Voice.
