5 Reasons Why Ariana Grande Calls Kelly Clarkson Her 'Favorite Collab' And The Unseen Dynamic Of The Voice
The relationship between pop powerhouses Ariana Grande and Kelly Clarkson is far more than just a fleeting celebrity friendship or a simple professional acquaintance. As of December 2025, the mutual admiration between the two multi-platinum artists remains a fascinating topic for fans, stemming from their unforgettable joint tenure as coaches on NBC’s The Voice and their surprise musical collaboration. Their dynamic, which blended Clarkson’s seasoned, down-to-earth mentorship with Grande’s fresh, witty energy, quickly became the highlight of Season 21, cementing a bond that transcended the competitive nature of the reality show.
The core of their synergy lies in an unexpected, yet completely logical, pairing of two of the most technically gifted vocalists in modern music. From their legendary Christmas duet to Grande’s public declaration that Clarkson is her "favorite collaboration of all time," their connection is a masterclass in supportive female mentorship within a notoriously tough industry. This deep dive explores the key moments, shared projects, and public statements that define the enduring and refreshing friendship between two generations of pop royalty.
A Biography of Mutual Admiration: Ariana Grande and Kelly Clarkson
While their friendship blossomed publicly on the set of The Voice, the seeds of respect were planted years earlier. Understanding their individual career paths highlights why their eventual team-up was so impactful.
- Kelly Clarkson (The Original Idol)
- Full Name: Kelly Brianne Clarkson
- Born: April 24, 1982 (Fort Worth, Texas)
- Career Start: Winner of the inaugural season of American Idol in 2002.
- Notable Albums: Breakaway, My December, Stronger, Meaning of Life.
- Key Roles: Global recording artist, three-time Grammy winner, host of the Emmy-winning The Kelly Clarkson Show, and seven-time winning coach on The Voice.
- Current Projects: Hosting her talk show and continuing her Las Vegas residency and music career.
- Ariana Grande (The Pop Diva)
- Full Name: Ariana Grande-Butera
- Born: June 26, 1993 (Boca Raton, Florida)
- Career Start: Broadway debut in 13 (2008), followed by Nickelodeon's Victorious and Sam & Cat.
- Notable Albums: Yours Truly, Dangerous Woman, Sweetener, Thank U, Next.
- Key Roles: Global recording artist, two-time Grammy winner, actress, and coach on The Voice Season 21.
- Current Projects: Filming and promotion for the two-part film adaptation of the musical Wicked, where she plays Glinda.
The Unexpected Christmas Hit: "Santa, Can't You Hear Me"
One of the most concrete and enduring pieces of evidence of the two artists' synergy is their 2021 holiday collaboration, "Santa, Can't You Hear Me." This track, featured on Kelly Clarkson’s second Christmas album, When Christmas Comes Around..., was an instant fan favorite and a critical success.
The song is a powerful, retro-tinged holiday anthem that showcases the incredible vocal range and technical skill of both singers. It was a significant moment for both, as it debuted on the Billboard Streaming Songs chart, doubling Clarkson's total career hits on that specific chart. The collaboration wasn't just a simple duet; it was a vocal battle (in the best way possible), with the two pop divas trading soaring high notes and intricate runs, proving their chemistry extends far beyond the coaching chairs.
Ariana Grande’s enthusiasm for the track was evident when she later revealed that working with Clarkson was her "favorite collaboration of all time." This is a massive compliment, considering Grande has collaborated with music legends like Mariah Carey, The Weeknd, and Lady Gaga. The track stands as a testament to their mutual respect and their ability to blend their distinct, yet equally powerful, voices into a cohesive and spectacular sound.
Behind-the-Scenes Synergy: 3 Ways The Voice Dynamic Shocked Fans
When Ariana Grande joined The Voice for Season 21, many expected a fierce rivalry with the veteran coaches, particularly the show’s reigning champion, Kelly Clarkson. Instead, what viewers got was a heartwarming, hilarious, and deeply supportive relationship that redefined the coach-to-coach dynamic. The following three points highlight the depth of their connection:
1. The "Best Singer in the World" Compliment
Ariana Grande has been unapologetically vocal about her awe of Kelly Clarkson’s talent. On multiple occasions, Grande has called Clarkson the "best singer in the world," describing her voice as "incredible" and "unbelievable." This level of praise from a contemporary artist known for her own vocal prowess instantly dismantled any notion of a feud. It showed a genuine, fan-like appreciation from Grande, who even pretended to walk off stage in mock defeat after being overwhelmed by one of Clarkson's vocal performances.
2. Kelly’s Throwback Fan Moment
The mutual respect goes both ways, and Clarkson proved she was an early admirer of Grande. She shared an adorable throwback tweet from 2013 where she posted a video of Grande singing and asked, "Who is this little girl?" and commented on her "insane talent." Clarkson’s recollection of this first interaction proved that she had been a fan of Grande’s voice for years, long before they shared a stage. This moment helped solidify their bond, transitioning from a mentor/newcomer relationship to one of equals with deep, shared history.
3. The "Hysterical and Witty" Coaching Style
While Grande was the rookie coach, Clarkson was quick to defend and praise her unique contribution to the show. Clarkson publicly gushed about Grande's personality, calling her "hysterical" and "witty" during an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Clarkson noted that The Voice had "never had a coach like her," highlighting Grande’s passionate and unique approach to mentorship. This supportive environment allowed Grande to thrive, even admitting to Clarkson that she "broke every rule in [her] contract" by direct-messaging her team artists, showing a dedication to her role that Clarkson clearly admired.
The Legacy: What Their Partnership Means for Pop Music
The collaboration between Ariana Grande and Kelly Clarkson, though brief on The Voice (Grande left to film the highly anticipated Wicked movie), has a lasting impact on how female artists interact in the industry. Their professional synergy and genuine friendship serve as a powerful counter-narrative to the idea that successful women in the same field must be rivals.
Their time together provided countless entertaining moments, including a memorable "Slay It Don't Spray It" segment on Jimmy Fallon’s That’s My Jam where they sang each other’s hit songs, like Grande's "7 Rings" and Clarkson's "Piece By Piece." These interactions highlighted their shared sense of humor and their deep, encyclopedic knowledge of each other’s discography.
While both are currently focused on massive individual projects—Clarkson with her talk show and new album direction, and Grande with her transformation into Glinda for the cinematic adaptation of Wicked—fans are continually hoping for a reunion. The success of "Santa, Can't You Hear Me" and their unparalleled chemistry on screen prove that any future collaboration, whether on a holiday album, a new pop track, or even a guest appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, would be an instant, must-see event. Their story is a refreshing tale of two pop titans who found not competition, but a genuine and enduring friendship.
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