Kelly Clarkson & Jake Hoot Sing "I Would've Loved You" in New Duet (2024)

Kelly Clarkson always supports her The Voice contestants, and of course that extends to season 17 winner Jake Hoot! Just over a year ago, during the season finale in which he won, Jake and Kelly sang a cover of “Wintersong” by Sarah McLachlan. Now, we finally get to hear the pair on an official single. Last Wednesday, Jake Hoot released the original song “I Would’ve Loved You” with Kelly Clarkson. It appears on his debut EP, Love Out Of Time, released last Friday. Today, the single gets a music video, too.

Over simple piano and sparse guitar, Jake Hoot starts the song, singing of a partner’s betrayal. The chorus elevates the song as Jake and Kelly harmonize. As deeply and madly as they would have loved the other, they can hate just as fiercely once scorned. When Kelly sings the second verse, the theme of cheating becomes clearer. “I Would’ve Loved You” continues to crescendo, but after a false end, it climaxes in one final chorus. It’s a powerful country ballad that shows off both Jake and Kelly’s supreme vocal chops.

In the music video, Jake stands alone in the spotlight on a stage in an empty theater. The only other person there is Kelly, far back in the upper level seats. They avoid each other, walking throughout the building among seats and in the backstage rafters, never making contact. It isn’t until the very last chorus that they appear on stage together, but as the video closes, it looks like Jake is actually still alone. Was Kelly ever really there?

Watch the music video for “I Would’ve Loved You” below:

“I Would’ve Loved You” appears on Jake Hoot’s new EP, Love Out Of Time, released on Friday, January 29th. You can stream or buy the full EP here.

Kelly’s Recent Collaborations & Holiday Songs

Late last year, Kelly released two new holiday songs, one of which was a duet. First we heard an original song called “Under The Mistletoe,” which she recorded with country singer Brett Eldredge. Then we heard Kelly’s cover of the seasonal country classic, “All I Want For Christmas Is You.”

Notice that both of those are country? We could take this as a hint that her next album will be country… but the teaser single she released last spring — “I Dare You” — was safely in the pop realm. And indeed, Kelly had previously described her forthcoming music as a mixtureofBreakaway,Stronger, andMeaning Of Life. A lot has changed since she said that, but we hope it’s still at least partially true. But now we’re also thinking My December comparisons could be in store?

Kelly’s Upcoming Album Due This Year

Kelly Clarkson is currently working on hernext studio album, the follow-up to 2017’sMeaning Of Life. It will be her first following herunexpected divorce from Brandon Blackstock, for which she filed last June. As such, Kelly has stated her new album will bevery personal. In recent interviews, Kelly described the new direction, and one song in particular:

This next record… this will probably be the most personal one I’ve ever released. The whole record is basically every emotion you experience from the beginning of a relationship to the end of what it is now. And it’s been very therapeutic for me. It’s very honest. There’s one that my kids sing in the car – cause I’m going through mixes – and I’m just like… this is weird. Like, it’s your relationship! I’ve never written about my life to where… My kids are, like, singing along…

Of course, her kids are only four and six, so they don’t really understand what they’re singing along to. But it sounds like the lyrics divulge a lot, and Kelly’s fans may notice the song’s meaning.

In December, Kelly also revealed one song title, “Rock Hudson,” which has one line that harkens back to “Piece By Piece.” We can already tell that will be an emotional song!

Kelly previosly released the single“I Dare You”— in multiple languages — last spring, though it’s unclear if that will still be on the album. She had also mentioned recording amystery duet, and, at least as of May, it was expected to be the next single. But a lot has changed, and the many songs Kelly had recording prior to the divorce may no longer fit with her upcoming album.

So, when will we hear the album? Hopefully sometime this year! Kelly’s a busy woman, but we’re thinking we’ll hear new music later in 2021.

Enjoy Jason Hoot and Kelly Clarkson’s new duet and music video for “I Would’ve Loved You.” Be sure to hear all of Jake’s new EP, Love Out Of Time. Keep checking back here for all the latest Kelly Clarkson music news.

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