Kelly Clarkson had already put her own spin on Riley Green’s “Worst Way” before the country singer joined her as a coach on The Voice. Their new working relationship has brought fresh attention to her earlier Kellyoke performance—and prompted questions about whether the two might one day perform together.
Clarkson sang the romantic country track on The Kelly Clarkson Show’s Kellyoke segment, which features her interpretations of songs by artists across genres. Rather than copy Green’s recording, she brought her own vocal style to the song while retaining its romantic feel. Afterward, she praised Green’s music and encouraged viewers to check him out, saying, “I love him. I dig him.”
A welcome with a competitive edge
Green’s appointment to the coaching panel for Season 30 gave the pair a chance to work together. Clarkson, returning for her 11th stint as a coach, has won the competition four times. Green was preparing for his first season in the chair.
When Green shared news of the role on Instagram, Clarkson welcomed him in a voicemail, telling him she was excited to coach alongside him. Her message soon turned teasing: she warned that Team Kelly would be tough competition. The friendly challenge echoed their different levels of experience on the show, while keeping the exchange lighthearted.
Clarkson also sent Green a customized Voice chair, giving him a chance to try out the show’s signature swiveling seat. In a video shared with the announcement, Green tested it and joked that he could get used to it. The gift offered a playful introduction to the format—and another glimpse of the rapport between the new colleagues.
A possible musical pairing?
The Kellyoke cover now sits alongside their coaching partnership as a reminder that Clarkson was already familiar with Green’s work. Her earlier praise and the warm, joking welcome have made the prospect of the two sharing a song an appealing one for fans.
A performance of “Worst Way” would bring together Green, the song’s original artist, and Clarkson, who has already interpreted it on her show. But the report does not confirm that a duet is planned. For now, their connection is playing out on The Voice, where their musical backgrounds and playful rivalry give viewers a new dynamic to follow.
