Kelly Clarkson Calls Out Voice Contestant Who Called Her 'Small-Minded'

Kelly Clarkson is speaking out.

On Tuesday, March 27, 2018, The Voice coach responded to former contestant Molly Stevens' claims that she was "small-minded" for comparing her to Melissa Etheridge and the Indigo Girls.

"While I'm extremely honored to be in that category of talent, I do believe that comment did us all a disservice and only threw us into a labeling trap," Stevens, who was eliminated from the competition on Monday night after battling Justin Kilgore on "Burning House," wrote in a now-deleted Instagram post (via Page Six). "It felt small minded to me and exactly what I feel we need to bring attention to the world." 

The 34-year-old added, "I am a singer-songwriter who happens to be gay. And so it @melissa_etheridge and @indigogirlsmusic... But it's a common stereotype that happens too often. People put us in boxes. How about today I am just Molly Stevens and you be you too?"

"Wow. This really bums me out," Clarkson, 35, tweeted in response. "I need everyone to hear me and hear ALL OF THE WORDS I SAY. I compared Molly to Melissa Etheridge, Patty Griffin (a name that was left out conveniently), and the Indigo Girls purely because of the rasp in her voice and that she's an amazing storyteller."

After being publicly called out, Stevens quickly backpedaled and issued an apology to the "Love So Soft" singer, who's been a longtime supporter of the LGBTQ community. 

"I sincerely apologize for any hurt I may have caused with my words," she tweeted. "This was not my intention at all. For the people who know me well, you know my heart well too. I strive to live in truth and light. @kelly_clarkson I truly apologize for thinking differently. I look up to you."

At the time of this writing, Clarkson has yet to respond to Stevens' apology.