You’ve probably seen the clips. One minute Kelly Clarkson is laughing so hard she can’t breathe, and the next, she’s taking a playful verbal flamethrower to Blake Shelton’s ego. It is the kind of chaotic, sibling-style energy that makes for great television, but lately, fans have been asking if the joke is still just a joke.
In early 2026, the dynamic between these two is under the microscope more than ever.
The Truth About the Kelly Clarkson Blake Shelton Rivalry
Honestly, their "feud" has always been a bit of a performance, but it’s rooted in a very real, very long history. They aren't just two random coaches who met on The Voice. Their connection goes back decades, through management ties and marriages that have since dissolved.
Blake famously said back in 2018 that while Kelly is his friend, on the set of The Voice, she is "my enemy." That competitive streak didn't just vanish when Blake left his spinning red chair. Even recently, when Blake stopped by The Kelly Clarkson Show to promote his record For Recreational Use Only, the "roast session" was relentless. Kelly clowned him for releasing a song called “Texas” when he’s a proud Oklahoman. Blake, in typical fashion, fumbled for a defense while Kelly tallied the "W" for the day.
Why people think there's real drama
- The Miranda Factor: Rumors swirled in late 2024 and 2025 that Kelly’s burgeoning friendship with Miranda Lambert (Blake’s ex-wife) made things "uneasy" for the cowboy.
- The Hallway Snub: Blake recently posted a hilarious, slightly salty video showing he was "unimpressed" that his photo wasn't on the guest wall at Kelly’s studio, despite him being there "100,000 times."
- The Exit from The Voice: Some fans felt there was a shift once Blake moved on from the show, suggesting the distance might have cooled the friendship.
Are They Actually Still Friends?
Yes. Basically, if they weren't friends, they wouldn't be this mean to each other.
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There is a specific level of comfort you need to have to tell a 30-time No. 1 hitmaker that his new album title is "sorta ridiculous" to his face on national TV. That is exactly what Kelly does. In mid-2025, Blake even went on record saying his new goal is to finally get Kelly on one of his records, noting that while he’s been on her projects, she hasn't returned the favor lately.
It’s a "legend vs. legend" standoff. Kelly has called him a "legend" (sometimes as a backhanded compliment to remind him he’s getting old), but the respect is clearly there.
The 2026 Landscape for the Duo
They are currently navigating very different phases. Kelly is the undisputed queen of daytime TV, while Blake is leaning into his "retired wrestler" energy, focusing on his bar franchise, Ole Red, and his new TV project The Road.
- Collaborations: Despite the bickering, they have a holiday duet, "There's a New Kid in Town," and fans are still holding out for a proper country-pop crossover single.
- The Management Tie: For years, Kelly’s ex-husband managed Blake. That kind of overlap creates a messy "divorce" in a professional sense, but they seem to have landed on their feet.
- Public Support: When Blake was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry or celebrated his 30th number-one, Kelly was one of the first to acknowledge the "insane" milestone, even if she followed it up with a joke about his mullet era.
What Most People Get Wrong About Them
People often mistake their "bit" for genuine dislike. If you watch the December 2025 "explosive argument" clips floating around YouTube, you’ll see some creators trying to paint a picture of a permanent fallout.
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Don't buy it.
The "argument" was a debate over gatekeeping in country music—a topic both are passionate about. Kelly stands her ground on authenticity and inclusion, while Blake often plays the role of the traditionalist protector. It’s a disagreement of philosophy, not a friendship-ending brawl.
They are the two cousins at the family cookout who argue over who gets the last beer but would still help each other move a couch the next morning.
Moving Forward with the Clarkson-Shelton Dynamic
If you're looking for signs of a split, you’re probably going to be disappointed. Their bond is built on a foundation of "giving each other hell," and that isn't changing.
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To keep up with what’s actually happening between them without the tabloid fluff, look for their unscripted moments. Watch the "behind-the-scenes" clips Blake posts on Instagram rather than the polished segments. The real friendship is in the fumbled defenses and the quiet laughs between the roasts.
Stay updated on their next move:
- Check out the latest episodes of The Kelly Clarkson Show for their recurring "Sibling Rivalry" segments.
- Watch for any announcements regarding Blake's The Road, as Kelly is rumored to make a guest appearance.
- Listen to Blake’s 2025 album For Recreational Use Only to see if that Kelly collaboration he’s been begging for finally materialized.
The "feud" is alive and well, which is the best evidence we have that the friendship is, too.
Next Steps for Fans
Keep an eye on the 2026 awards season. If these two are seated anywhere near each other, expect the cameras to stay glued to them. You can also follow their official social media channels to see their real-time reactions to each other's career wins—just expect a heavy dose of sarcasm along with the support.