Country music fans got a memorable surprise when Kelly Clarkson took on Riley Green’s romantic hit “Worst Way” during her popular Kellyoke segment on The Kelly Clarkson Show in February 2025. Her performance gave the song a fresh sound, blending her powerful pop vocals with the track’s smooth, country-inspired mood.
The cover quickly caught the attention of listeners who were already captivated by Green’s original version. Now, the idea of hearing the two artists perform the song together is an exciting possibility for fans—even though an official duet has not been announced.
1. Kelly Clarkson Brings Her Own Style to the Hit
Clarkson performed the song on February 13, 2025, surrounded by warm red lighting and accompanied by her band. Rather than simply copying Green’s delivery, she brought her signature vocal power and emotional intensity to the performance, building toward a strong, soaring chorus.
Her ability to move between pop, rock, soul, and country has long made Kellyoke a popular segment. This performance was another example of how she can take a song associated with one artist and make it feel distinctly her own.
2. Riley Green’s Romantic Country Hit
“Worst Way” is one of Green’s more romantic and intimate songs, built around longing and desire. Its smooth melody and understated country sound helped it stand out among his releases, while the accompanying music video added to the conversation surrounding the track.
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Clarkson’s cover arrived just as Green’s music video was drawing attention, making the timing especially memorable for fans of both singers.
3. Why Fans Want to Hear Them Together
The appeal of a potential duet is easy to understand. Clarkson is known for her wide vocal range and powerful delivery, while Green brings a relaxed Southern country sound to his music.
Their different styles could create an interesting musical contrast: her soaring vocals against his lower, country-inflected voice. The two have also expressed mutual appreciation, with Clarkson praising Green after her cover and encouraging viewers to check out his music. Green shared her performance on his Instagram Story.
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That connection has given fans another reason to imagine what a collaboration might sound like, although no official duet has been confirmed.
4. Could a Kelly Clarkson and Riley Green Duet Happen?
A collaboration would bring together two artists with very different musical backgrounds but a shared appreciation for strong storytelling and memorable vocals.
Green’s country roots and Clarkson’s ability to reinterpret songs from different genres could make a joint version of “Worst Way” sound completely different from either solo performance. Whether they would perform it as a stripped-back acoustic ballad or a fuller country-pop arrangement is anyone’s guess.
For now, the duet remains a fan wish rather than an announced project. Still, Clarkson’s cover has given listeners a glimpse of how the song might sound in another artist’s hands.
5. Fans Are Ready for More
Clarkson’s rendition of “Worst Way” continues to be a memorable meeting point between pop and country music. It also shows why her covers attract so much attention: she does more than sing familiar songs—she brings her own personality and vocal style to them.
And with Riley Green now connected to The Voice as a coach, interest in his music has another route to reach viewers who may not usually follow country music.
Would a duet between Kelly Clarkson and Riley Green live up to the hype? Fans would certainly have plenty to say if these two ever shared the stage for “Worst Way.”
