In a heartwarming and laughter-filled reunion, Blake Shelton, the country music icon and former coach on The Voice, joined Kelly Clarkson on her daytime talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, on May 16, 2025. The episode, which aired just a week after the release of Shelton’s latest album, For Recreational Use Only, brought together two of the most beloved figures in music and television. During their hilarious and nostalgic conversation, Shelton revealed a new career goal that left fans buzzing with excitement: he wants to collaborate with Clarkson on one of her records. This reunion not only highlighted their enduring friendship but also underscored their shared history on The Voice, where their playful rivalry and mutual respect became a fan-favorite dynamic. The moment offered a glimpse into Shelton’s evolving career and his continued passion for music, even after stepping away from the iconic singing competition.
A Nostalgic Reunion on The Kelly Clarkson Show
The episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show was a celebration of friendship, music, and shared memories. Shelton, who left The Voice after Season 23 in May 2023, hadn’t been a regular on television screens in the same capacity since his departure. His appearance on Clarkson’s show marked a rare and joyful return to the spotlight alongside one of his closest friends from his Voice days. Clarkson, who has also served as a coach on the show across multiple seasons, welcomed Shelton with her trademark warmth, kicking off the segment with a nod to his recent milestone: achieving his 30th No. 1 single with “Texas” from his new album.
“It’s insane that you’ve tallied 30 No. 1s,” Clarkson exclaimed, her admiration evident. The audience erupted in applause, and Shelton, ever the humble Oklahoman, grinned and thanked her, clearly touched by the recognition. The conversation quickly turned to their time on The Voice, where they had developed a “frenemies” dynamic—fiercely competitive on the show but deeply supportive off-screen. Fans of the series will remember their banter, with Shelton often teasing Clarkson about her coaching skills while she fired back with her own witty comebacks. As Clarkson recalled those days, she laughed, “I miss our bantering on the screen—especially your quick-witted skill to turn things funny!”
Their chemistry was as electric as ever, with Shelton playfully poking fun at Clarkson’s hosting duties while she teased him about his laid-back lifestyle on his Oklahoma ranch. But beneath the humor was a genuine affection that has defined their friendship for over a decade. The two first met through Clarkson’s husband, Brandon Blackstock, who has been Shelton’s longtime manager. Their bond deepened when Clarkson joined The Voice as a coach in Season 14, and they quickly became a fan-favorite duo, with Shelton even joking in a 2018 interview with People that Clarkson was his “enemy” on the show but his “friend” in real life.
Shelton’s New Career Goal: A Duet with Clarkson
The highlight of the reunion came when Shelton revealed his latest career aspiration. After reflecting on his recent album and the success of “Texas,” he turned to Clarkson with a mischievous grin and said, “You haven’t had me on one of your records.” The comment caught Clarkson off guard, and she laughed, pointing out that they had collaborated before—on Shelton’s 2012 holiday album, Cheers, It’s Christmas, which was re-released as a deluxe version in 2022. But Shelton was quick to clarify his goal. “That’s my musical goal,” he declared, emphasizing that he wants to be featured on one of Clarkson’s records, not his own.
The audience cheered at the prospect, and Clarkson seemed genuinely delighted by the idea. “I just laid it out there right now,” Shelton added, doubling down on his ambition. The moment was a testament to Shelton’s admiration for Clarkson’s talent as a singer and songwriter. Clarkson, a powerhouse vocalist who rose to fame after winning the inaugural season of American Idol in 2002, has a discography filled with pop, rock, and soul influences, a stark contrast to Shelton’s country roots. Yet, their shared history of blending genres—Shelton with his pop-leaning duets with Gwen Stefani, and Clarkson with her forays into country-inspired tracks—makes the idea of a collaboration both exciting and plausible.
Shelton’s goal to collaborate with Clarkson reflects his ongoing passion for music and his desire to push creative boundaries. Since leaving The Voice, he has focused on his artistry, stepping away from the grueling schedule of a bi-weekly live show to reconnect with his roots as a country singer. His latest album, For Recreational Use Only, released on May 9, 2025, marks his first full-length project since 2021’s Body Language. The 12-track record includes hits like “Texas,” which nods to country legend George Strait, as well as duets with artists like Craig Morgan, John Anderson, and Shelton’s wife, Gwen Stefani, on the track “Hangin’ On.” In a statement about the album, Shelton shared, “I’ve always been someone who wants to collect great songs, but sometimes the hardest thing to do is to find something that hasn’t been said or written before. I’m always on the search for that.”
A Shared History on The Voice
The reunion on The Kelly Clarkson Show was also a nostalgic trip down memory lane for fans of The Voice. Shelton was an original coach on the show, joining the panel in 2011 alongside Adam Levine, Christina Aguilera, and CeeLo Green. Over his 23 seasons, he became the show’s most successful coach, winning nine times and mentoring artists like Cassadee Pope, Danielle Bradbery, and Bryce Leatherwood. His departure in 2023 was an emotional moment for fans and fellow coaches alike, with Shelton reflecting in a statement at the time, “This show has changed my life in every way for the better, and it will always feel like home to me.”
Clarkson, who joined the show in 2018 for Season 14, quickly became a formidable coach, winning four seasons and earning praise for her heartfelt mentorship. Her dynamic with Shelton was a highlight of the series, with the two often engaging in playful rivalries. In a 2023 interview with NBC Insider, Clarkson called Shelton the “ultimate Coach,” noting, “He’s won the most, and he, honest to God, helps the Artists afterwards. It’s an incredible thing that he’s done for so many Artists.” Shelton, in turn, has always spoken highly of Clarkson’s talent, even while jokingly calling her the “second worst coach” on The Voice during a 2021 appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Their reunion wasn’t just a personal moment—it also tied into their recent appearances on The Voice. Both Shelton and Clarkson returned to the show for the Season 27 finale on May 20, 2025, to perform as guest artists. Shelton sang “Texas,” marking his first time back on the Voice stage since his departure, while Clarkson performed her new song “Where Have You Been.” The finale was a star-studded event, featuring other former coaches like Alicia Keys and Chance the Rapper, as well as Season 22 winner Bryce Leatherwood, who was mentored by Shelton.
Shelton’s Evolving Career and Personal Life
Shelton’s appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show offered a glimpse into his life post-Voice. After leaving the show, he expressed a desire to focus on his music and family, telling People in 2022, “Walking away from music, you might as well just poison me or something.” His decision to step away from The Voice was driven by a need for balance, especially after 12 years of chair turns and mentoring young artists. In a 2023 interview with NBC, he shared, “It’s time for not even what’s next. A little bit of nothing would be nice.”
Since then, Shelton has leaned into his life in Oklahoma, where he lives with Stefani and her three sons—Kingston, Zuma, and Apollo—whom he has embraced as a stepfather. His marriage to Stefani, whom he met on The Voice in 2014, has been a cornerstone of his personal growth. The couple, who married in 2021, have continued to collaborate musically, with their latest duet, “Hangin’ On,” featured on For Recreational Use Only. Shelton’s love for Stefani was evident during his chat with Clarkson, as he mentioned her with a smile, noting their shared history on the show that brought them together.
Professionally, Shelton remains a force in country music. His 30th No. 1 single is a testament to his enduring popularity, and his recent album has been praised for its return to his roots while still experimenting with new sounds. His goal to collaborate with Clarkson signals that he’s not slowing down but rather seeking new ways to challenge himself artistically. A duet with Clarkson, whose vocal range and emotional depth are unmatched, could be a groundbreaking moment for both artists, blending their distinct styles into something fresh and exciting.
A Friendship That Inspires
The reunion of Blake Shelton and Kelly Clarkson was more than just a promotional appearance—it was a celebration of friendship, resilience, and the power of music to connect people. Their shared history on The Voice has left an indelible mark on the show and its fans, and their continued support for each other is a reminder of the bonds that can form even in the competitive world of entertainment. Shelton’s new career goal to collaborate with Clarkson has sparked excitement among fans, who are eager to see what these two musical powerhouses could create together.
As Shelton continues to evolve as an artist and Clarkson thrives as a host, singer, and mentor, their reunion serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration. It’s a reminder that even after the red chairs stop turning, the relationships and dreams forged in those moments can endure, leading to new chapters filled with laughter, music, and unexpected collaborations. For now, fans will have to wait and see if Shelton’s goal becomes a reality—but if their reunion is any indication, the future holds something truly special for these two friends.
