LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Is there a secret rivalry brewing between ‘American Idol’s biggest alums – Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood?
While both Grammy winners have consistently denied any animosity against each other, rumors have been circulating for years about tension between the two.
Despite publicly supporting one another, sources claim the pair are locked in a fierce behind-the-scenes battle, leaving fans wondering what’s really going on between the two powerhouse performers.
What did insiders report about rivalry between Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood?
Insiders close to the situation have revealed a growing tension between Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, with the two ‘American Idol’ alums reportedly having little in common.
A source shared with RadarOnline, “They don’t really have much in common. They’ve just never really connected as friends.”
The friction between them has escalated so much that Underwood even declined an invitation to appear on Clarkson’s talk show, fueling further rumors of a rivalry.
The source also revealed that the roots of their animosity go back several years, “Carrie was jealous Kelly got a coaching gig on ‘The Voice’ that she thought should’ve been hers. And Kelly’s always been jealous that Carrie’s the bestselling idol to come out of Idol.”
The tension only deepened as both stars have allegedly been privately speaking poorly about each other to friends.
The source highlighted, “The feud has only gotten worse, with both stars privately trashing each other to friends!”
Reports say Carrie Underwood was upset on 2016’s ‘American Idol’ finale
The bad blood between the two was further highlighted in April 2016 when Underwood reportedly caused a scene at the ‘American Idol’ finale. According to one insider, Underwood was upset over not being given a solo performance, especially as Kelly Clarkson had been given that opportunity.
Underwood “threw a fit” because she wasn’t allowed to perform solo, even though she has a full tour and plenty of other commitments to promote.
The insider added, “Carrie caused serious drama with the final production of the show because she flipped out that she was stuck doing a duet when she has a tour and so many things to promote right now.”
Eventually, Underwood agreed to perform a duet with Keith Urban, but she wasn’t happy with the arrangement.
“Carrie said she just felt like she should have gotten the same type of treatment that Kelly did since she is a big money-maker from the show,” the source added.
In 2023, Kelly Clarkson faced her own challenges when her popular talk show came under scrutiny for allegations of a toxic work environment. Former employees claimed that the behavior of producers and senior staff left them feeling “traumatized.”
One anonymous worker shared, “It deterred me from wanting to work in daytime ever again. When I say I was traumatized, I was really traumatized.”
In response, Clarkson addressed the allegations on Instagram, stating, “In my 20 years in the entertainment industry, I’ve always led with my heart. I love my team at The Kelly Clarkson Show, and to find out that anyone is feeling unheard and/or disrespected on this show is unacceptable.”
She continued, “I have always been, and will continue to be, committed to creating and maintaining a safe and healthy environment at TKCS.”
