Over the years, and have undoubtedly proven that their voices are great on their own, but they sound even better when collaborating.
From reimagining each other's hits to putting their spin on holiday classics, the pair have racked up quite the praise and a few accolades along the way — including a Grammy nomination for Best Vocal Country Collaboration.
Outside of their careers, many country fans know that McEntire and Clarkson were once related. Clarkson married McEntire's then-stepson, Brandon Blackstock, in 2013. At the time, McEntire was married to Narvel Blackstock, but they divorced in 2015, while Clarkson filed for divorce from Brandon Blackstock in the summer of 2020. Despite their marriages ending, Clarkson and McEntire have remained very supportive of one another.
Keep reading for our list of McEntire and Clarkson's most unforgettable collaborations from throughout the years.
1Reba McEntire, Kelly Clarkson - Because Of You (Official Music Video)
"Because of You" was a major success for Clarkson in the earlier stages of her career. She originally recorded the song solo for her sophomore album, . The single was a commercial success breaking into the top ten of the Hot 100 chart.
McEntire joined Clarkson for a new version of the emotional song in 2007 as part of . In this reimagined version, McEntire struggles to see Clarkson trapped in an abusive relationship. The duet earned the pair widespread praise and multiple award nominations, including Best Vocal Country Collaboration at the 50th Grammy Awards. The song peaked slightly higher than the solo version, landing at the No. 2 spot on 's Hot Country Songs chart.
Kelly Clarkson - Silent Night (Official Video) ft. Trisha Yearwood, Reba McEntire
Clarkson delivered a star-studded version of "Silent Night" during her 2013 NBC special,
Clarkson takes the lead for the performance before being joined by and McEntire on the holiday classic. To the crowd's delight, the three superstars take turns exchanging lyrics and offering powerful harmonies.
This version of "Silent Night" also appeared on Clarkson's first Christmas album, , which was released on Oct. 29, 2013.
3For "Softly and Tenderly," a track from McEntire's recent gospel album, , she enlisted the help of her friends and fellow country stars, Yearwood and Clarkson. Throughout the song of faith, which originates from the late 1800s, the three heavy hitters of country music beautifully layer their voices to create a genuinely angelic sound.
Over the years, McEntire has invited some of country music's most well-known female artists to sing opposite her on "Does He Love You."
In 2007, McEntire recruited Clarkson to help her tackle the subject of a complicated romantic relationship. The pair tell the story of two women in a love triangle, contemplating who their partner truly loves and which one is second best.
"Does He Love You" was originally recorded by McEntire and , and served as the first single from McEntire's 1993 album,
5Reba McEntire & Kelly Clarkson Perform 'Fancy' | CMT Crossroads
Clarkson has never shied away from taking on McEntire's most iconic songs, even during the early moments of her career. During a 2007 installment of CMT's , the pair show off their close bond while delivering a high-energy rendition of "Fancy."
Between mouthing the lyrics when it wasn't their turn on the mic to exchanging encouraging looks, it's clear that they have a place for each other in their hearts. At the song's end, McEntire reaches for Clarkson's hand and triumphantly holds it in the air while the crowd goes wild.
"Fancy" was written and originally recorded by in 1969, but McEntire's 1991 remake is still considered one of her best — and bravest — songs to date.
Kelly Clarkson - A Minute + a Glass of Wine (feat. Reba McEntire) [Live in Nashville, TN]
In 2019, McEntire popped up as a special guest on Clarkson's tour to help with her reoccurring "A Minute and a Glass of Wine" segment. Before coming on stage, Clarkson hinted at who she was about to bring out, calling the person her hero and someone who inspired her career. The crowd quickly connected the dots and erupted into thunderous applause when McEntire emerged to help sing Clarkson's trademark hit, "Because of You."
The pair recorded their own studio version of the track in 2007 as a part of McEntire's project. That rendition became a crossover hit, quickly climbing all the way to No. 2 on 's Hot Country Songs chart.
Reba McEntire & Kelly Clarkson Perform “Why Haven't I Heard From You” | CMT Crossroads
The pair's take on McEntire's "Why Haven't I Heard From You" was another highlight from their 2007 CMT Crossroads episode.
Throughout the song, Clarkson and McEntire ponder why they have yet to hear from their special someone. While working through the options, Clarkson and McEntire take turns driving their version of the lead single from McEntire's 1994 album, .
The song was a hit for the country singer, breaking into the Top 5 of 's Hot Country Songs chart.
The 1990s were one of country music's most impactful decades and marked the emergence of a new crop of artists who left a lasting impact on the genre. Take a look at the talented artists whose careers were tragically cut short after finding success during the genre's golden era.
Gallery Credit:
90s country artists who diedRick Diamond, Getty Images
From the beginning of the 1990s through the early 2000s, produced an incredible stream of country chart-toppers. His hits "John Deere Green," "Pickup Man" and "A Night to Remember" mixed traditional country sounds with just enough pop-leaning elements to make the tracks universally accessible. He stayed active in the country scene, regularly performing shows and collaborating with other artists.
On March 27, 2020, Diffie became one of the first country artists to announce that he had tested positive for COVID-19. He died just two days later of complications from the virus at the age of 61.
90s country artists who diedAndrew H. Walker, Getty Images
's country career was initially launched after winning TNN's talent competition, in 1988. Although the show awarded her a record deal, her first single didn't chart on country radio. In 1992, shortly after becoming a background singer for Rodney Crowell, White earned a new contract with RCA Records and released her debut album, , which Crowell co-produced.
Singles "What a Woman Wants" and "Lay Around and Love on You" performed well on country radio, but her career skyrocketed with the release of her follow-up album in 1994. That produced major hits, including "Now I Know," "That's My Baby" and "That's How You Know (When You're in Love)."
White had continued success through the 1990s, including a duet with Travis Tritt, "Helping Me Get Over You." She also proved herself as a multi-talented artist, acting in Tom Hanks' hit movie Cast Away and producing the entirety of Toby Keith's 2005 album
Lari White was diagnosed with advanced peritoneal cancer in 2017. She died from the disease on Jan. 23, 2018, at 52.
2911 Media
connected with music at a young age, often performing at his local church and later forming his first bands with friends as a teen. He moved to Branson, Mo., and continued to pursue music and songwriting, but his career only kicked off once he relocated to Nashville. He took up work recording demo tapes for other artists, including major country hits like "It Matters to Me," later recorded by Faith Hill.
He signed a record deal with Curb in 1994 and released his debut single, "Yeah Buddy," later that year. His follow-up track, "Not on Your Love," became a massive hit, sprinting to No. 1 on the country charts. His next single, "The Car," made it to No. 3 and earned him an Academy of Country Music Award for Best Music Video. He stayed active through the 90s and early 2000s but put his music career aside in 2009 to become an officer at the Franklin Police Department in Tennessee.
Jeff Carson died unexpectedly from a heart attack on March 26, 2022, at 58.
90s country artists who diedBrad Barket, Getty Images
knew she wanted to have a career in country music at a young age, opting to move to Nashville at 18. She quickly signed a record deal with BNA Records and released her debut album, Ten Thousand Angels, in 1996. That record produced her only No. 1 hit, "Guys Do It All the Time," along with her Top 5 singles "A Girl's Gotta Do (What a Girl's Gotta Do)" and "Ten Thousand Angels." She released two more albums before the year 2000 but had difficulty finding the same level of success that she did in her early career.
In 2008, McCready announced plans to make a comeback in the country scene. Sadly, this return to music coincided with a string of highly-publicized personal issues, including struggles with addiction, multiple arrests and a suicide attempt.
Her 2010 album , which would become her final record, earned solid praise from critics. Record producer David Wilson, McCready's boyfriend and father to her young son Zayne, died by suicide at McCready's home on January 13, 2013. One month later, Mindy McCready took her own life at the same location. She was 37 years old.
90s country artists who diedButch Adams
was a true cowboy. After learning how to ride a horse as a child growing up at his family's Wyoming ranch, LeDoux became one of the youngest and brightest stars in the rodeo scene. During the 1970s, he became a champion rider and spent his free time penning songs about his life and career. After retiring from the rodeo circuit in 1980, he spent the next ten years writing and releasing music independently, recording 22 albums during that decade alone.
Everything changed for LeDoux when a rising artist named Garth Brooks name-dropped him in the lyrics of his 1989 hit, "Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old)." Soon after, he inked his first major label deal with Capitol Records, earned a Top 10 hit with "Whatcha Gonna Do with a Cowboy" in 1992, and even snagged his first Grammy nomination. He released six more records through the 90s and built a loyal following of fans.
In 2000, his career plans were put on hold after he was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis, an illness that required LeDoux to receive a liver transplant. He eventually found a donor and went on to release two more albums before he began radiation treatments for cholangiocarcinoma, a type of bile duct cancer, in 2004. Sadly, Chris LeDoux died of the disease on March 9, 2005, at age 56.
90s country artists who diedAsylum Records
In 1996, charmed country music listeners with his heartfelt cover of Tony Rich's heartbreaking "Nobody Knows." The track spent four weeks at the top of the Billboard country chart that year, catapulting Sharp into the ranks of country music's brightest new talents.
Sharp was just a child when he was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer. While undergoing treatment, he met famed record producer David Foster through the Make-A-Wish program, which forged a lasting bond between the two. Years later, Foster helped Sharp navigate the industry, leading him to sign a deal with Asylum Records.
Through the late 90s and early 2000s, Sharp continued to build his career, taking the infectious "If You Love Somebody" and aching "She's Sure Taking It Well" into the Top 10 on country radio.
Sadly, his early illness caused lasting health issues that continued throughout his life. Sharp died on April 19, 2014, from complications of the disease and its resulting surgeries. He was 43 years old.
MTM Records
In the early 1980s, proved herself as one of country music's best new songwriters, earning cuts from many of the genre's brightest stars of the time, including Louise Mandrell. Her talents earned her a record deal of her own, leading to the release of her Top 10 hit and trademark song, "Daddy's Hands."
She released a steady stream of country hits through the late 80s and early 90s, including two No. 1 hits, "Are You Ever Gonna Love Me" and "You Really Had Me Going." After cutting ties with her label in the mid-90s, Dunn took on a new career as a DJ for a popular country music morning show before becoming host of TNN's television series for three years.
In 2003, Dunn released her final record, a gospel album called , before choosing to formally retire from the music industry. She spent her final years beside her wife, Melissa, quietly focused on creating art inspired by the landscapes of the Southeast. Dunn died on Nov. 14, 2016 of ovarian cancer at the age of 59.
90s country artists who diedGetty Images
In 1994, made a splash in the country scene with the release of his debut self-titled album. His two early singles "Cowboys Don't Cry" and "If It Wasn't For Her I Wouldn't Have You" got steady traction at country radio, even earning him a spot on the celebrated, star-studded 1994 record
Although his debut LP and second record, , were well received, Norwood's success also led him to immense personal struggles. In 1995, he chose to walk away from his music career in order to treat a severe addition to alcohol. He spent much of his adult life as a motivational speaker, working to help others steer clear of addictive substances.
On July 22, 2015, Norwood was found dead in his Texas home at the age of 49. Although a formal cause of death was not made public, police stated that foul play was not suspected.
90s country artists who diedFrederick M. Brown, Getty Images
Shortly after moving to Nashville in hopes of making a career as a country artist, Ohio native inked a deal with Epic Records. Released in 2002, . won over listeners with its modern take on traditional country.
His debut single, "Before I Knew Better," climbed to No. 15 on the Billboard country chart, positioning him as an intriguing new face of the genre in the early 2000s. Martin's next few singles didn't connect the same way, leading him to fall out of the spotlight sooner than many expected. In 2008, he formed the country duo Martin Ramey with friend John Ramey, but the project never gained traction.
On March 11, 2022, Brad Martin died in Nashville, Tenn. at the age of 48. Details of what led to his death have not been made public.
90s country artists who diedTerry Wyatt, Getty Images
The 1990s marked the emergence of many incredible country talents, and was one of those gems. His old-school, neo-traditional sound won the hearts of country listeners in the mid-90s, after the singer-songwriter spent years pursing a record deal.
His self-titled debut LP was released in 1995 and included the No. 2 heartbreaker "I Let Her Lie," along with the playful "Too Much Fun," which peaked at No. 4. Over the next few years, he found success with tracks like "Amen Kind of Love" and his surprising cover of Savage Garden's "I Knew I Loved You."
Although he didn't find the same amount of success on country radio during the 2000s, Singletary cultivated a dedicated following, regularly performing and collaborating with other artists of the era.
On Feb. 12, 2018, Singletary died unexpected at his Tennessee home. Following his death, a representative for Singletary told The Boot that he had suffered from a blood clot.
90s country artists who diedFrederick Breedon IV, Getty Images
Formed in 1999, country duo quickly became a force to be reckoned with. Eddie Montgomery, brother of fellow hitmaker John Michael Montgomery, teamed up with friend Troy Gentry to create an infectious blend of southern rock and modern country. The pair racked up six No. 1 hits, released six studio albums together and were even inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.
The country music community was shattered by the news of Gentry's tragic death on Sept. 8, 2017. The country talent was on board a helicopter, traveling from Medford, N.J. to a venue where the duo were set to perform that night. The helicopter crashed shortly after takeoff, killing the pilot instantly. Gentry was pronounced dead after being transported to a nearby hospital. He was 50 years old.
90s country artists who diedB&G Records
In the late 1980s, Texas native left a life working on oil rigs behind to pursue his country music dreams in Nashville. His 1993 debut record spawned his first and only No. 1 hit, "I Don't Call Him Daddy," a moving story-song about a father and child navigating the realities of divorce.
The latter-half of the 1990s included more success for Supernaw, including a nomination for Top New Male Vocalist at the ACM Awards. Although he seemed to suddenly disappear from the spotlight during the early 2000s, he kicked off a new career chapter in 2017 with the release of his compilation. He began to actively tour and record again for the next few years before being diagnosed with advanced lung and bladder cancer in 2019.
Sadly, Supernaw died from complications of the disease on Nov. 13, 2020, at the age of 60.
90s country artists who diedMCA Records
's country music career began as a songwriter, penning tracks for artists like Crystal Gayle, Kenny Rogers, and John Anderson. He was the lyrical genius behind some of the country band Restless Heart's most significant career hits, including "The Bluest Eyes in Texas" and "Big Dreams in a Small Town."
In the early 80s, he snagged a solo record deal and released a string of moderately successful singles, including 1984's "Modern Day Delilah." His career took a new path in the early 90s after Stephenson teamed up with Henry Paul and Dave Robbins to form the band BlackHawk. They enjoyed a lasting streak of success together, releasing three studio albums and taking the country charts by storm with hit singles including "Every Once in a While," "I'm Not Strong Enough to Say No," and "There You Have It."
In 1999, Stephenson was diagnosed with melanoma and began undergoing treatment for the disease. He formally stepped away from BlackHawk to focus on his health, but the treatments were unsuccessful.
Van Stephenson died on April 8, 2001, due to skin cancer. He was 47 years old.
Read More: | https://theboot.com/reba-mcentire-kelly-clarkson-collaborations/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral&fbclid=IwAR31xYPl67B_MZ-cxOXyGgO5Ly9E7eLiGI5pjPHYbvHEk5VqoKY7A3EdN54
