"American Idol" Winner Taylor Hicks Shoots His Shot with Kelly Clarkson in Flirty Message

Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks sent a flirty message to Kelly Clarkson, offering to help the original "Idol" find a new Mustang after her recent revelation.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 14, 2026, 6:51 AM EDT

Source: Page Six

A Soulful Offer

Hicks, 49, didn't hold back when asked for his reaction to Clarkson’s missing prize. In an exclusive statement to Page Six on Friday, March 13, 2026, the "Soul Patrol" leader gushed over his fellow alum. "I am a big fan of Kelly Clarkson and consider her one of the most incredible voices to emerge from American Idol," Hicks said. He then took the opportunity to lean into the joke, adding flirtatiously, "I would be more than happy to help her find a new Mustang."

A Decades-Long Connection

The two "Idol" icons have shared the spotlight several times over the last twenty years. Hicks most recently appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show in May 2023 to perform his single "Porch Swing." During that appearance, fans noted their easy chemistry, though Clarkson was navigating a complex personal chapter at the time. While a representative for Clarkson has not yet commented on Hicks’ offer, the singer is currently single following a difficult year.

Kelly's Journey Toward Healing

Clarkson’s personal life has been marked by both resilience and heartbreak. After filing for divorce from talent manager Brandon Blackstock in 2020, the pair finalized their settlement in 2022. Despite the legal battles, Clarkson famously remained by Blackstock’s side during his private, three-year struggle with melanoma. Blackstock tragically passed away in August 2025 at the age of 48. Since then, the "Since U Been Gone" singer has focused on her daytime talk show and her two children, River Rose, 11, and Remy, 9.