In a spectacular showdown on the debut episode of That’s My Jam, Kelly Clarkson and Ariana Grande dazzled audiences with their karaoke prowess, showcasing the incredible vocal talents that have made them household names. Drawing inspiration from games popularized on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the episode aired in the US on November 29, 2021, captivating over four million viewers.
Teaming up with country sensation Blake Shelton, Grande faced off against Clarkson, who was paired with the legendary John Legend, in the electrifying final round titled “Mixtape Medley Showdown”. As the titans of the pop world prepared to go head-to-head, anticipation reached a fever pitch.
When the computerized wheel landed on “Pop Divas” for their mixtape theme, excitement rippled through the audience. Grande, feeling the pressure, playfully lamented to Shelton, “We’re done for!” With the stage set, Fallon ignited the showdown, and the live band launched into the first track: Britney Spears’ classic “Oops!… I Did It Again”, flawlessly delivered by Grande, who added her signature dance moves to the performance.
Not to be outdone, Clarkson took the stage with Shania Twain’s “Any Man of Mine”, showcasing her powerhouse vocals and commanding presence. As the medley continued, each singer delivered a jaw-dropping rendition of iconic hits, from Grande’s emotive take on Cher’s “Believe” to Clarkson’s soul-stirring performance of Toni Braxton’s “Unbreak My Heart”.
The climax of the showdown arrived with Clarkson’s rendition of “I Will Always Love You”, where her flawless execution of the iconic high note left the audience in awe. In a heartwarming display of camaraderie, Grande joined Clarkson for a duet on the song’s final note, cementing their mutual respect and admiration.
While the Doombox ultimately declared Clarkson and Legend the victors, the true triumph of the evening lay in the remarkable talent and camaraderie displayed by these two pop icons. As Grande aptly declared it the “craziest day of my life”, it was evident that the legacy of their unforgettable performance would endure long beyond the competition.