Blake Shelton shocked the crowd as Kelly Clarkson joined him for a raw, electric duet of “Lonely Tonight.”
Blake Shelton introduced “Lonely Tonight” in 2014 as a captivating collaboration with Ashley Monroe. Listeners quickly gravitated toward its powerful harmonies and heart-tugging storyline, which propelled the track to the top of the Country Airplay chart. Impressively, it crossed over into mainstream success by landing the 47th position on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100. In Canada, the tune resonated strongly with audiences, climbing to become a #1 country hit there as well. Through its strong chart performance, “Lonely Tonight” set the stage for Shelton and Monroe to receive tremendous acclaim.
When Shelton and Monroe delivered this song, their efforts were recognized with a Grammy nomination. The two were honored in the Best Country Duo/Group Performance category, which validated just how special their duet had become among country music fans and beyond. Their chemistry on the recording made the piece unforgettable, and the recognition helped emphasize both artists’ talent and ability to shine in a genre that appreciates emotive vocal performances and genuine storytelling.
Though Monroe recorded “Lonely Tonight” with Shelton, there are numerous instances where she is not on hand to sing with him in a live setting. To compensate, Shelton has found other gifted performers to fill her role during concerts. Over the years, he has shared the stage with the likes of Lauren Alaina and Carly Pearce, highlighting his willingness to experiment with different female vocalists. The song’s duet nature allows each new partner to add her personal touch while retaining that familiar blend of longing and love.
One especially meaningful performance of “Lonely Tonight” happened when Shelton brought his Season 23 Voice finalist, Grace West, to the mic. This moment was remarkable since it served as Shelton’s last opportunity to sing on The Voice while still coaching. Their heartfelt duet was more than just another rendition—it was a symbolic send-off marking the end of an era. Fans relished the chance to see Shelton team up with one of the show’s talented contestants in such an emotional context.
The Voice has always been known for its star-studded roster of coaches, and one of those beloved personalities has been Shelton’s longtime friend, Kelly Clarkson. The two of them share a camaraderie that has extended well beyond the show’s set, as they’ve found opportunities to collaborate musically in front of countless viewers. Fans of either artist have witnessed their dynamic interactions on television, but their bond spans several years and is strengthened by their mutual respect for each other’s artistry.
Many people have watched Shelton and Clarkson join forces for performances of notable songs. Whether delivering “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” putting their stamp on “Neon Moon,” or resurrecting the nostalgic hit “Austin,” the pair consistently entertains audiences. They have a natural stage presence as collaborators, sometimes offering playful banter and comedic moments that reveal their genuine friendship. Those duets underscore the reason why their fans always hope for new musical ventures involving the two country powerhouses.
Not long after “Lonely Tonight” became a favorite, Shelton treated his audience to a special look at the song’s allure in a visual format. Below, you can revisit the inherent emotion and seamless vocal interplay that made this track a standout in Shelton’s discography. The video shows the duet’s raw sentiment and the magnetic pull between the two voices, illustrating why it rose so high on the country and crossover charts.
In addition to Monroe, Shelton’s onstage choices have included future stars from his time coaching The Voice. This comes as no surprise, given his commitment to showcasing fresh country talent. Many of his fans recall times when he invited emerging artists to step into Monroe’s shoes and deliver that second verse. One of the most talked-about examples was his collaboration with Grace West, which drew attention to her abilities and marked a significant milestone in Shelton’s own final season.
While those Voice highlights thrilled home audiences, nothing could compare to the surprise that unfolded at Shelton’s 2021 show in Denver, Colorado during his Friends & Heroes Tour. Without any advance warning, Kelly Clarkson was waiting backstage, prepared to join him on a stirring duet. Her appearance took the crowd completely by surprise, resulting in cheers and applause that filled the entire venue. It was a testament to the remarkable dynamic between two close friends and top-tier vocalists.
The moment Clarkson emerged, the audience went wild. Cell phones were immediately raised to capture the collaboration, and the footage spread swiftly across social media. According to NBC, when they wrapped up, Shelton exclaimed, “Kelly freakin’ Clarkson, Denver!” as the crowd roared in approval. The performance has endured in people’s memories—even years later, it remains a collaboration that fans still can’t stop talking about. Witness part of that thrilling onstage meeting in the video below.
