If you’ve spent any time watching The Voice or scrolling through late-night talk show clips, you probably think you know the vibe between Blake Shelton and Kelly Clarkson. It’s usually a mess of insults, finger-pointing, and Blake pretending he doesn’t understand Kelly’s fast-talking Texas energy. But honestly? The music tells a completely different story.
When you look for a Blake Shelton duet with Kelly Clarkson, you aren’t just looking for a TV gimmick. You’re looking for two of the most technically gifted vocalists in modern music dropping the "coach" personas and actually working. It’s rare. It’s usually tucked away on Christmas albums or "surprise" tour stops in Ohio.
Most people assume they have a massive catalog of hits together. They don't. That’s the big misconception. Despite being best friends—and Kelly famously being managed by Blake’s former father-in-law and ex-husband—their recorded output is surprisingly slim. But the stuff they have done? It’s basically a masterclass in vocal blending.
The Christmas Track That Started It All
Back in 2012, Blake released Cheers, It's Christmas. It was a big deal for him. He brought in his mom, Dorothy Shackleford, and even Michael Bublé. But the standout was a cover of "There's a New Kid in Town" featuring Kelly Clarkson.
This wasn't a "pop" version of a carol. It was a deep, traditional country arrangement. Blake’s baritone is thick and warm here, but when Kelly comes in? She doesn't oversing. That’s the thing about Kelly—she’s a vocal chameleon. She knows Blake isn't going to out-belt her, so she pulls back, adding this soft, airy texture that makes the track feel like a cozy blanket.
It's actually the only official, studio-recorded Blake Shelton duet with Kelly Clarkson that exists as a primary track.
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That "Don't You Wanna Stay" Surprise
Here’s a fun piece of trivia: Blake once "stole" Jason Aldean's duet partner. In early 2012, during a stop in Toledo, Ohio, on his Well Lit & Amplified Tour, Blake started playing the opening chords to "Don't You Wanna Stay."
The crowd went nuts because that song was a massive #1 hit for Jason Aldean and Kelly. But when Kelly actually walked out from the wings? The roof basically came off the building.
- The Vibe: It was raw.
- The Vocals: Blake struggled a bit with the high notes Aldean usually hits, but Kelly carried the melody like a freight train.
- The Connection: You could see they were having a blast, mostly because they weren't competing for a trophy.
They did it again for a tornado relief concert in Oklahoma around that same time. It’s arguably their most famous "live" moment together, even though it’s technically a cover of someone else’s song.
The "Austin" Moment: 20 Years in the Making
Fast forward to late 2022 and then again in 2024. Kelly’s talk show is the biggest thing on daytime TV. Blake stops by. He brings a guitar. He starts playing "Austin," his debut single from 2001.
If you haven't seen this clip, go find it. It’s basically the definitive Blake Shelton duet with Kelly Clarkson for the modern era. Blake starts it solo, looking a little nervous, which is weird for a guy who’s been in the business for 20+ years. Kelly joins in on the chorus, and it’s like magic.
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She hits these high, shimmering harmonies that weren't on the original record. At the very end, Blake literally stops singing and points at her, letting her take the final "I still love you" solo. It was a total "respect" move.
Why Haven't They Released a Full Album?
It's the question every fan asks. Why just one Christmas song and a few talk show segments?
Honestly, it’s probably a scheduling nightmare. Between The Voice, Blake’s "Ole Red" bar empire, and Kelly’s daily talk show, finding forty-eight hours to sit in a Nashville studio is nearly impossible. Plus, they belong to different record label ecosystems.
But there is hope. In a June 2025 interview on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Blake was promoting his album For Recreational Use Only. He straight-up told Kelly that his "No. 1 goal" was to finally get on one of her records. He even joked about how his country pronunciation—calling mosquitoes "skeeters"—might clash with her pop sensibility, but the intent was real.
The Technical Breakdown: Baritone Meets Powerhouse
When you strip away the jokes, why does a Blake Shelton duet with Kelly Clarkson actually work?
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- Contrast: Blake has a very "centered" voice. It doesn't move around much. It's solid, grounded, and very "country."
- Agility: Kelly is all over the place in the best way possible. She can do runs, she can belt, and she can whisper.
- The Middle Ground: They usually meet in a mid-tempo ballad range where Blake can stay comfortable and Kelly can add the "sparkle" on top.
It shouldn't work. The "Cowboy" and the "Pop Queen." But it does.
Moving Beyond the Screen
If you’re looking to dive deeper into this specific musical bromance, you shouldn't just stick to the official releases. The real gold is in the "unscripted" moments.
Look for Kelly’s "Kellyoke" cover of Blake’s song "I’m Sorry." She did it in 2020. Blake’s original version featured Martina McBride, but Kelly’s solo version is so haunting it almost feels like a duet with the ghost of the original track. She has this way of honoring his songwriting while making it sound like a soul classic.
What to do next:
- Check out the 2012 track: Find "There's a New Kid in Town" on the Cheers, It's Christmas (Deluxe Edition). It’s the best example of their studio chemistry.
- Watch the "Austin" acoustic version: It’s on the official Kelly Clarkson Show YouTube channel. Pay attention to the bridge; it’s the best harmony work they’ve ever done.
- Listen to "I'm Sorry": Even though Blake isn't singing on Kelly's cover, it gives you a glimpse into how well her voice fits his specific style of "sad country."
- Stay Tuned for 2026: With Blake focusing more on his own projects after leaving The Voice, the rumors of a formal collaboration on Kelly’s next project are louder than ever.
The beauty of their partnership isn't in the chart positions. It’s in the fact that they clearly like each other. In an industry built on fake PR friendships, their mutual respect is the real deal.