Kelly Clarkson’s take on Riley Green’s “Worst Way” came before they were set to share a coaching panel, but the performance has given fans a reason to imagine the pair singing together on The Voice.
Clarkson covered Green’s country song during the Kellyoke segment of The Kelly Clarkson Show in February 2025. After performing it, she spoke warmly about the singer, praised his music and encouraged viewers to check him out. The cover offered her own interpretation of the track; a duet with Green, however, has not been announced.
A welcome to the coaching panel
Green is preparing to make his coaching debut on the show’s 30th season, while Clarkson is returning to a familiar role. She has won The Voice four times and served as a coach on 10 occasions.
Green announced his new role on Instagram, writing, “I guess y’all can start calling me coach.” A video accompanying the announcement included a voicemail from Clarkson welcoming him and saying she was excited to coach alongside him. She also praised his talent and said she was a fan of his music.
The message soon turned competitive. Clarkson joked that Green would need practice because “Team Kelly’s gonna whoop that a**.” She also sent him a custom The Voice coaching chair. Green tried it out and joked that he could get used to it.
Their exchange gave fans another reason to wonder whether their musical connection might extend beyond the coaching chairs. Clarkson had already drawn attention to “Worst Way” with her Kellyoke cover, and now the two artists are due to work together on the same season of the competition.
A duet remains a possibility, not an announcement
The prospect of a joint performance is an appealing one for viewers who enjoyed Clarkson’s version of Green’s song. But neither the cover nor the friendly welcome confirms that they will perform together. For now, the duet is a hope sparked by their shared show and Clarkson’s public appreciation of Green’s music.
The original report said Season 30 was expected in the fall, though a premiere date had not been announced at that time. Adam Levine was also set to return as a coach after winning Season 29 with contestant Alexia Jayy. With the new panel taking shape, Clarkson and Green’s earlier musical connection is an added point of interest as the season approaches.
