Kelly Clarkson Surprised as Reba McEntire Backs John Legend to Mentor a Country Artist on The Voice: ‘No Way!’
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“Some have wondered if John Legend could guide a country artist—absolutely he can! I’d even love for him to coach me,” McEntire said on The Voice.
Kelly Clarkson found herself in a playful showdown with John Legend and Reba McEntire on The Voice.
During the February 23 episode of NBC’s singing competition, 19-year-old Julia Golden performed Deana Carter’s “Strawberry Wine,” prompting both Clarkson, 43, and Legend, 47, to hit their buttons and turn their chairs. A lighthearted debate quickly erupted between the two coaches over who was better suited to guide a country artist.
Legend first tried to convince Golden to join his team by pointing out he had turned his chair before Clarkson. However, Clarkson admitted she had been too focused on singing along to “Strawberry Wine” to notice.
“I’m hearing a little Lee Ann Womack in your voice, too—that’s my Texas queen,” Clarkson told Golden, praising her as “authentic” and “believable.”
Legend joked back, saying, “Since we don’t have a pure country artist here, Kelly seems to think every country singer belongs to her.”
“I don’t feel that way,” Clarkson shot back. “I know I don’t.”
Both coaches referenced their country music experiences: Legend mentioned performing with Lee Ann Womack, while Clarkson highlighted her past performance with Reba McEntire on the 2 Worlds 2 Voices Tour in 2008. (Clarkson was also previously married to McEntire’s late stepson, Brandon Blackstock.)
Legend then brought up McEntire, calling her “the queen of country music” and a fantastic coach on the show, hinting she might have something to say about him. Clarkson reacted in mock horror: “Oh no, she did not!”
The moment escalated when a large screen revealed a video message from McEntire, 70. “People have asked me, ‘Can John Legend coach a country artist?’ Heck yes. I wish he’d coach me,” McEntire said. “He’s absolutely fantastic. He’s a genius. He can do anything—play, sing, mentor. I know I’m the queen of country music, and I endorse John Legend. I endorse this message.”
Clarkson, clearly flustered, called McEntire on the phone. “You made him a video? Did you? I can’t see you, but I know you hear me, girl,” she exclaimed. McEntire calmly replied, “Calm down, girl.”
Clarkson then reassured Golden that she could also be a great coach for country artists. “I just need Julia to hear. I make an excellent coach for country artists as well,” she said, to which Golden agreed. Clarkson jokingly added, “I love you so much, but I hate that video.”
Finally, fellow coach Adam Levine threw his support behind Clarkson as a mentor, and Golden ultimately chose to join her team.