Ariana Grande and Kelly Clarkson Are Getting Psyched to Spread Christmas Magic

Being on TV together is a great way to get to know someone. Just take Kelly Clarkson and Ariana Grande. The pair have seemingly become fast friends while spinning around together on The Voice. In fact, they’re such close pals now that Ari will appear on Clarkson’s upcoming ninth studio album, the holiday collection, When Christmas Comes Around.

The superstar singers had a mutual admiration moment on Wednesday (Sept. 29), when Clarkson gushed about her new bestie by pointing out that she’s actually had her back for nearly a decade. “How it Started vs. How it’s Going,” Clarkson tweeted alongside a screenshot of her tweet at Grande from 2013 in which she praised the young singer’s chops.

In the throwback from Sept. 7, 2013, Clarkson wrote, “Okay, who the heck is this girl & where did she come from?! Someone just sent me this & wow she is killer & only 19!” At the time, Grande was wrapping up her run on Victorious and Clarkson was vibing on a clip of the teen performing “The Way” with future boyfriend Mac Miller on Ellen.

Back then, Grande responded “omg that’s me hi kelly clarkson thank you ily.” So, flash forward to today with Clarkson writing, “Y’all, I love this girl! Did I mention she’s gonna be on my upcoming Christmas album!?” Once again, Ari had nothing but nice things to say in return, tweeting, “queen !!!!!!! beyond honored to sing with you. i love this record and you.”

Clarkson dropped the first single from her holiday album last week, “Christmas Isn’t Canceled (Just You),” previewing the set due out on Oct. 15 via Atlantic Records. The 15-track project will include covers of classic holiday jingles plus new collaborations with Grande (“Santa, Can’t You Hear Me”), Chris Stapleton (“Glow”) and more. Her “Under the Mistletoe” collaboration with Brett Eldredge, which reached the top 10 of Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs and Adult Contemporary charts in December, will also be featured on the new album as a bonus track.

Check out the tweet below.

queen !!!!!!! beyond honored to sing with you. i love this record and you. https://t.co/vo6RGQ3Nwx

— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) September 29, 2021