Jo Dee Messina Reacts To Kelly Clarkson’s Hilarious Compliment: “Can You Say That On TV?”
on Jun 04, 2026
Jo Dee Messina is celebrating a new chapter in her career, and Kelly Clarkson is joining the party.
The “Bring on the Rain” singer stopped by the set of The Kelly Clarkson Show to talk about her new album, Bridges. The album, which debuts on June 5, is her first since 2014’s Me.
Messina embarks on her accompanying Bridges tour on June 11. But first, she’ll sing at CMA Fest on June 5, followed by a performance at the Grand Ole Opry on June 9.
In addition to discussing Messina’s new music, Clarkson also wanted to recognize her past successes. That recognition came with a special surprise for the singer.
Messina’s jaw dropped as Clarkson’s crew brought out three plaques marking major milestones:
- “Heads Carolina, Tails California” has been certified Double Platinum by the RIAA.
- “I’m Alright” has been certified Triple Platinum by the RIAA.
- The RIAA also bestowed a Platinum certification on Messina’s 2003 Greatest Hits album.
To earn Platinum certification, a single or album must sell the equivalent of 1 million units.
“What the heck?” Messina asked, turning to Clarkson in shock when she saw the plaques.
Clarkson chimed in with a hilarious compliment, saying, “Dude…You’re f***ing bada** is what it is.”
“Can you say that on TV?” Messina said.
Clarkson responded, “No, but they’ll edit it, they’ll bleep me. I’m super classy.”
Clarkson continued to say, “You are incredible, and we heard about this, and we wanted to be able to be the ones to give it to you, ’cause I’m such a fan.”
Watch the moment when Kelly Clarkson surprised Jo Dee Messina with her new Platinum records in the video below, and their funny exchange afterward.
Kelly Clarkson Has Covered Jo Dee Messina’s Music On Her Show Before
Anyone who watches Kelly Clarkson’s talk show knows how much she loves Jo Dee Messina. She’s covered some of her songs for the show’s famous “Kellyoke” segment, including “Bye Bye” and “Lesson in Leavin’.”
Clarkson covered the latter song earlier this year (2026), garnering a response from Messina herself. She commented on the performance video on Instagram, writing, “WAHOOOOOO !!!!! Go girl !!!! I LOVE it.“
“Lesson in Leavin'” was originally released by Dottie West in 1980, and it became a #1 hit. Messina released her cover in 1999, and her version peaked at #2 on the Hot Country Songs chart.
You can catch Clarkson’s versions of “Bye Bye” and “A Lesson in Leavin'” in the clips below. Maybe we’ll hear her sing one of Messina’s new songs next!
