LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Kelly Clarkson wants to make it clear that there's no bad blood between her and fellow 'American Idol' alumna Carrie Underwood. During an appearance on 'Watch What Happens Live,' Clarkson addressed the speculation about their relationship, and said, "We don't even know each other well enough to be pitted against each other."
As a viewer attempted to ask about Underwood's appearance on 'The Kelly Clarkson Show,' Clarkson playfully interrupted, referring to her as 'Carrie Wood' and drawing a comparison to Dolly Parton's theme park. After a moment of laughter from the audience, the viewer was finally able to ask about Clarkson's experience with Underwood as a guest on her show. Clarkson expressed her enthusiasm, describing it as "awesome" and expressing a desire to have Underwood back.
'Everybody always asks me the 'pitted against each other' question'
Clarkson reiterated that there is no animosity between them, explaining that they have only crossed paths a few times and lack a deep personal connection. “Literally, we’ve run into each other a handful of times,” she said. “There’s no beef between us,” she said. She also highlighted the double standard as she claimed that female artists are often pitted against each other while their male counterparts are not subjected to the same scrutiny.
Returning to her seat after the playful interruption, The 'Since U Been Gone' singer addressed the constant questioning about being pitted against each other by saying, "Everybody always asks me the 'pitted against each other' question." She praised their Zoom interview as "awesome" and expressed hope for another in-person chat. "The thing that was cool about it is that everybody always pits us against each other. They don't do that with dudes," said Clarkson.
'I think we're both winning in life and pretty blessed!'
This isn't the first time Clarkson and Underwood have refuted rumors of a feud. In 2018, when a poll asked fans to vote on the "most iconic American Idol winner," Clarkson responded on Twitter, emphasizing their shared success and the need to celebrate it. Underwood supported this sentiment, expressing a desire for women's achievements to be celebrated rather than compared.
'Whatever, girl, I voted for you!'
"I think we're both winning in life and pretty blessed! Singers, mamas, CEOs. #AmbitiousBlondes go ahead @carrieunderwood," tweeted Clarkson in response to the poll. Underwood replied, "Whatever, girl, I voted for you! But seriously, I do wish more publications would just celebrate women's success without pitting them against each other... Just my thoughts...anyway... Love ya'! Hope you're well!"
Over the years, rumors and speculation about their relationship have circulated, but both Clarkson and Underwood have consistently rejected any notion of a feud. They have chosen to focus on their individual successes and advocate for women supporting women in the music industry.
