Watch Kelly Clarkson Perform with Reba McEntire for the First Time After ‘American Idol’ Win

Way before Reba McEntire was Kelly Clarkson‘s mother-in-law, she was simply an inspiration. Following Clarkson’s monumental win on the first season of American Idol in 2002, she was allowed to pick one of her idols to perform with. Clarkson chose McEntire, and the two met for the first time on that stage.

They performed the duet “Does He Love You” from McEntire’s 1993 compilation album, which originally featured Linda Davis. Walking out on stage under the American Idol logo, a baby-faced Kelly Clarkson addressed the crowd before introducing McEntire.

“One of my inspirations from when I was a little girl—I have every record of her, I believe there’s like 30,” she said, eliciting cheers from the audience. She then concluded, “Please welcome, my American idol, Reba McEntire,” adding a giggle at the end that sounds both nervous and excited.

The two embraced as the crowd cheered, and Clarkson cheered for McEntire as well, bowing down to her as the legend that she was and still is. McEntire expressed pride in Clarkson for her achievement and excitement that they would sing together. The music started up, and McEntire laid out the story of “Does He Love You.”

“She stole my man,” McEntire joked, pointing to Clarkson, adding, “And I’m not happy about that.” The two then launched into the duet, with McEntire taking the first verse in her instantly recognizable voice.

Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire Perform a Classic Duet During Clarkson’s 2002 American Idol Celebration

When Kelly Clarkson took over the duet, it was immediately clear why she became America’s first Idol. Her equally recognizable vocals were, and still are, sultry and passionate. Fresh off her amazing win, she had power and emotion behind her voice that she has kept to this day.

Now, she showcases it during her daytime talk show with the ever-popular Kellyoke segment.

Reba McEntire spoke about the moment to Country Living in 2019, recalling her first meeting with Kelly Clarkson. “This is the first time I sang with her. We did ‘Does He Love You,’” she told the outlet. “They told her when she won the very first American Idol that at the finals she could sing with her idol, and she chose me. So that’s the first time we got to meet. Little did we know we’d be relatives, we’d be in the same family.”

Kelly Clarkson’s vocals have stayed consistent in power and emotion. Her voice has matured with her, but she still possesses her youthful spirit and penchant for powerful belting. This showcase was just a taste of what Clarkson could do—also the first of many duets with Reba McEntire—and she went on to prove that she rightfully earned the title of American Idol.
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