Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire became friends after they performed together on "American Idol" in 2002. The two country singers were once family, as McEntire was married to Narvel Blackstock, father of Clarkson's ex-husband Brandon Blackstock — but now that both women have split from their respective husbands, fans wonder if they are no longer close.

As it turns out, Clarkson is closer with McEntire than ever; according to an insider speaking to Closer Weekly, the two powerhouse singers "have a bond that cannot be broken." The insider noted that things between them "may get a little awkward at times, but nothing is going to get in the way of Kelly and Reba's relationship."

Even before McEntire became her mother-in-law (and then her ex mother-in-law), Reba was a huge inspiration to Clarkson. During an episode of "I Miss...90s Country Radio with Nick Hoffman" in July 2021, Clarkson said "I've never seen a woman work so much harder than her male counterparts. She's just not afraid of anything."