During a recent episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show, the beloved singer and television host took a nostalgic trip down memory lane as she revisited one of the most iconic and emotional moments from her time on American Idol. In a candid conversation that resonated with both her studio audience and viewers at home, Kelly shared behind-the-scenes insights and personal reflections about the unforgettable event that helped launch her career into superstardom. The moment, which has remained etched in the memories of fans since the show’s early seasons, served as a reminder of how far she has come and how deeply that experience continues to shape her journey as an artist and performer. Her heartfelt recollection added a touching layer to the episode, drawing praise for its authenticity and emotional impact.
During the May 12 episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show, the former Coach of The Voice welcomed guest Jimmy Fallon to her set and turned back the clock with a story from her time on Idol in 2002. Believe it or not, her iconic duet with fellow finalist Justin Guarini was not planned ahead of time.
On the show, Clarkson and Guarini were tasked with performing the Kim Weston and Marvin Gaye classic “It Takes Two” as a duet together — something Clarkson was not prepared for in the slightest.
That’s right, the producers instructed the two finalists to perform an impromptu duet with no rehearsal. Talk about pressure.
Clarkson’s retelling of this beloved moment in her career is too funny.
Kelly Clarkson during The Kelly Clarkson Show Season 6, Episode 105. Photo: Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal
“They told me and Justin right before we went out that we were doing a duet to this song, and I was like, ‘What do you mean?’ It’s a live program, I’m 19, 20 — I can’t remember — and they were like, ‘Well, yeah, don’t worry, the words will be up there.'”
As any singer knows, knowing the words to a song you’re performing a duet of isn’t the most vital part of the whole process.
“And I was like, ‘Will the melody [be up there]?'” Clarkson recalled asking, looking astonished as she told the story to Fallon. “Will the bouncing Mickey head also have the melody? What do you mean?”
Fallon, of course, was dying laughing during Clarkson’s story-turned-rant, barely keeping himself together.
“I was freaked out on live TV, like, so young, and we were just laughing and smiling — and that asshole knew the song!” she hilariously blurted out, endearingly referring to Guarini. “He was like, ‘You don’t know this song?’ And I was like, ‘Now is not the time to fight! Now is not the right time to argue about this’…It was real bad!”
For the record, Clarkson absolutely crushed the duet en route to winning the first season of Idol. Is anyone surprised?
Kelly Clarkson kicks off TODAY‘s summer concert series
Last week, Clarkson kicked off the Citi Concert Series on TODAY. Below, check out the full lineup:
Tuesday, May 13: Blake Shelton
Friday, May 30: Sebastián Yatra
Friday, June 6: Cynthia Erivo
Friday, July 11: Ciara
Friday, July 25: Zac Brown Band
Friday, August 8: Jonas Brothers
Friday, August 22: Finneas
Friday, August 29: Role Model
The Citi Concert Series on TODAY will continue through September, with more artists being announced in the coming weeks. And, as always, fans who miss the performances as they happen live will be able to watch on-demand on TODAY.com.
