Kelly Clarkson’s Stunning Cover of Riley Green’s Worst Way Takes on New Meaning After Their Unexpected Reunion on The Voice

Kelly Clarkson was praising Riley Green’s music long before the country singer joined her as a fellow coach on The Voice.

During a memorable Kellyoke performance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, the Grammy-winning artist delivered a powerful rendition of Green’s romantic hit Worst Way, impressing the studio audience with her distinctive interpretation.

More than a year later, their musical connection came full circle when Green joined Clarkson for Season 30 of NBC’s singing competition.

And Clarkson’s enthusiastic welcome made it clear that her admiration for the country star had never faded.

Kelly Clarkson Delivers a Stunning Rendition of Riley Green’s Worst Way

Clarkson performed Worst Way during her popular Kellyoke segment in February 2025, putting her signature vocal power into Green’s country hit.

Rather than simply recreating the original recording, she brought her own phrasing and emotional intensity to the song while preserving its romantic atmosphere.

Following the performance, Clarkson praised Green and encouraged viewers to discover his music.

“I love him. I dig him. You should check him out,” she said.

She also mentioned that Green had described Worst Way as a major highlight of his live concerts.

Her comments revealed a genuine appreciation for his artistry well before their television partnership was announced.

Riley Green Receives a Surprise Welcome From Clarkson

When Green announced that he would join The Voice as a coach for Season 30, Clarkson was among the first to offer a memorable welcome.

“I guess y’all can start calling me coach… see ya this fall,” Green wrote on Instagram.

His announcement included a playful video featuring a voicemail from Clarkson, who expressed her excitement about working with him.

“I am super stoked to coach alongside you. Welcome to The Voice,” she told him.

However, her friendly greeting quickly became a competitive warning.

“I think you’re gonna need the practice, because Team Kelly’s gonna whoop that a**,” Clarkson joked.

She even sent Green a customized Voice chair so he could practice spinning around during the show’s Blind Auditions.

After testing his new chair, Green laughed, “I could get used to this!”

Could Kelly Clarkson and Riley Green Perform Together?

Season 30 brought together Clarkson, Green, Adam Levine and Queen Latifah in the famous red coaching chairs.

For Clarkson, it marked her 11th season as a coach, following four previous victories. Green, meanwhile, was making his coaching debut.

Their playful exchanges have given Clarkson’s earlier performance of Worst Way an added layer of significance.

The possibility of hearing the two artists perform the song together is particularly intriguing, combining Green’s original country delivery with Clarkson’s powerful vocals.

Although no duet has been officially announced, their shared involvement in The Voice has created a natural opportunity for a future collaboration.

What began as Clarkson celebrating Green’s music on her daytime talk show has developed into a friendly rivalry between two country music admirers.

And with Clarkson already making it clear that she intends to win, their chemistry promises to be an entertaining part of Season 30.