Kelly Clarkson Marks Her 43rd Birthday With a Stunning Riley Green Cover That Shows Off Her Country Music Love
Kelly Clarkson turned her 43rd birthday into a musical celebration, delivering a heartfelt cover of Riley Green’s “Don’t Mind If I Do” that brought her signature vocals to one of country music’s most talked-about collaborations. The performance was more than another Kellyoke moment. It also offered a glimpse into Clarkson’s admiration for Green and rising country star Ella Langley.
Kelly Clarkson Puts Her Own Spin on Riley Green’s Hit
On April 24, 2025, Clarkson celebrated her birthday by stepping up for a solo rendition of “Don’t Mind If I Do” on The Kelly Clarkson Show.
The performance featured the beloved Kellyoke segment, where the singer reimagines songs from across the musical spectrum. Known for her ability to move between genres, Clarkson brought her distinctive vocal style to a country track steeped in heartbreak and the complicated emotions of a relationship that refuses to stay in the past.
The song’s central theme made it a natural showcase for Clarkson’s expressive delivery, adding another memorable performance to a segment that has become a fan favorite.
The Riley Green and Ella Langley Collaboration Behind the Song
“Don’t Mind If I Do” arrived after Riley Green and Ella Langley scored viral success with their first collaboration, “You Look Like You Love Me.”
The track became part of Green’s third studio album, also titled Don’t Mind If I Do, which was released in October 2024. The record made a strong impression on the charts, reaching No. 8 on the US Top Country Albums chart and No. 25 on the Billboard 200.
At its heart, the song captures the struggle of trying to move on from a former love. Even when a relationship has ended, lingering feelings can make the temptation to reconnect difficult to resist.
That emotional tension helped make the song a compelling choice for Clarkson’s latest Kellyoke performance.
This Wasn’t Clarkson’s First Riley Green Cover
Clarkson had already brought Green’s music to The Kelly Clarkson Show earlier in 2025.
In February, she performed his romantic country hit “Worst Way,” a song that had attracted widespread attention following the release of its music video.
Her return to Green’s catalogue with “Don’t Mind If I Do” further underscored her appreciation for his music and his creative connection with Langley.
Clarkson has openly expressed her affection for both artists, particularly praising the way their voices complement each other. She has also shared her enthusiasm for hearing their vocals blend together.
A Birthday Celebration With a Country Music Twist
With “Don’t Mind If I Do” now joining her growing collection of Kellyoke covers, Clarkson once again demonstrated her ability to make a song her own while staying true to its emotional core.
For her 43rd birthday, the singer chose a performance that reflected both her vocal versatility and her enthusiasm for a country music collaboration she clearly appreciates.
Watch Kelly Clarkson’s full cover of Riley Green’s “Don’t Mind If I Do” in the video below.
