Kelly Clarkson may not be considered a country star, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t listen to the genre on the regular. The original American Idol winner, 41, who is close-knit with a variety of country crooners, recently took to her social media pages to boast over two artists that are making high marks in the country sphere — Lainey Wilson and Cody Johnson.
“You’re Gonna Love Both These Artists”
“If you’re needing a break from listening to my new album “Chemistry” then check out @laineywilson “Wildflowers and wild horses” & @codyjohnson “When it comes to you” you’re gonna love both these artists… or you have shi– taste,” Clarkson shared via Twitter, incorporating some sass in her Tweet on Monday (July 10).
Her persuasion ended up earning her several comments from other users.
“Thanks for the suggestions. Will check them out and share my current favorites @kellyclarkson “Chemistry” and @MaddiePoppe “Good Enough To Let You Go” Also loving @joshuaradin new release “Neverland” accompanied by @MaddiePoppe (version 2),” one person replied beneath the tweet.
“We Agree 100%! Both Cody And Lainey Are Amazing Artists, And Those Are Excellent Songs!” another user replied.
Wilson Reacts to Clarkson’s Praise
Clarkson also reiterated her positive sentiments about Wilson and Johnson’s music in her Instagram stories, which appeared to have caught the attention of Wilson, who shared the story to her respective page, replying with the comment: “Well dang, this means the world from you sister. Love you.”
Wilson concluded her short and sweet message with a heart emoji, showing her love for Clarkson is mutual. And while Johnson hasn’t yet replied to Clarkson’s compliments, it’s no doubt he’d be thrilled to see that another star is also a fan of his songs.
Lainey Wilson’s “Wildflowers And Wild Horses”
Wilson’s “Wildflowers and Wild Horses” isn’t considered one of her singles or major hits yet. Written by Wilson with Trannie Anderson, and Paul Sikes, the tune belongs on the Louisiana native’s current fourth studio album Bell Bottom Country, which has thus far spawned hits “Heart Like a Truck,” “What’s Up (What’s Going On,” and Top 40’s “Watermelon Moonshine.”
Cody Johnson – “When It Comes To You”
Meanwhile, Johnson’s “When It Comes to You” appears as track No. 5 on disc two of his 2021 release, Human: The Double Album. Similarly to Wilson, the song, written by Jeremy Bussey and Tony Lane, isn’t one of Johnson’s radio singles or smashes. “Til You Can’t” and “I Don’t Know a Thing About Love (The Moon Song)” were both top singles, while “Human” reached the Top 10 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart.
Clarkson isn’t new to hyping up her friends and sharing her excitement for other artists’ music. In fact, she’s been known to provide her takes on songs during her Kellyoke segment on her daytime talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show. In the past, she has rendered songs like Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey,” Brooks & Dunn’s “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” and Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.” She has even released an EP of herself covering songs by some of her favorite artists.
Kelly Clarkson’s New Album, Chemistry
And while Clarkson is busy encouraging others to direct their attention to songs like Wilson’s “Wildflowers and Wild Horses” and Johnson’s “When It Comes to You,” she too has music out of her own. The powerhouse songstress recently released her tenth studio album, Chemistry. The album, which is her first project of all-new material since 2017, finds the singer processing her June 2020 divorce from Brandon Blackstock.
“The whole divorce thing happened, and I needed to write it,” Clarkson told Variety in September of 2022. “And then I didn’t know if I was going to release it because you can be very angry in that state of mind. So some of the songs, they definitely cover the gamut of emotions; there’s everything on the album. It’s almost like the arc of a relationship because the beginning is so beautiful and sweet, and then it evolves. And sometimes it doesn’t evolve how you want.”
Fans can look for music from Chemistry this summer as Clarkson gears up for her 10-date Las Vegas residency: Chemistry…An Intimate Night With Kelly Clarkson. The shows, taking place at Bakkt Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino begin on July 28 and run through Aug. 19.
