Kelly Clarkson has never officially released a country music project, but she’s still very much part of the family.
As the winner of the very first season of American Idol, Clarkson shot to fame over the course of her time on the show in 2002, but she wasn’t necessarily known for her country chops — in fact, for the most part, she sang soul tunes on Idol.
But Clarkson quickly became to demonstrate her love of all genres of music, especially country, with cover performances during her concerts and tours, and eventually, on her TV talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show. Thanks to her incredible vocal range, there aren’t many songs or styles that Clarkson can’t handle — she’s even put out impressive covers of her fellow Idol winner Carrie Underwood, who’s known for dynamic, powerhouse vocal performances.
Clarkson’s connection to country music grew even tighter when she wed Brandon Blackstock in 2013. The son of TV producer and talent manager Narvel Blackstock — who also just so happened to be Reba McEntire‘s husband — Blackstock’s family ties meant that Clarkson and McEntire spent more time together, ultimately stepping onstage together many times. Both of those marriages eventually dissolved, but the two superstar singers have continued to hit the stage together and tighten Clarkson’s country connections.
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Once Clarkson launched her talk show, she began a regular segment called “Kellyoke” that allowed her to express her love for music of all genres with a weekly cover performance. Many of those covers have been country: Clarkson has treated fans to her renditions of hits by Dolly Parton, Brandi Carlile and many more during her time on the show.
Scroll through the list below to see the best country covers from Clarkson of all time.
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