WATCH: Carrie Underwood Crowned the Highest RIAA-Certified Female Country Artist of All Time — But It’s Kelly Clarkson’s “Before He Cheats” Cover That’s Breaking the Internet

In a year already filled with unforgettable moments in country music, two powerhouse voices — Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson — have just collided in a way that’s setting the internet ablaze.

On one hand, Carrie Underwood has officially been named the highest RIAA-certified female country artist of all time, a title that solidifies her place among the true greats of American music history. But on the other, a resurfaced video from The Kelly Clarkson Show — featuring Clarkson’s explosive Kellyoke performance of “Before He Cheats” — is going viral all over again.

And fans? They’re losing their minds.

 The Queen of Modern Country: Carrie Underwood Makes History

It’s official: with over 85 million certified units (albums, singles, and digital streams combined), Carrie Underwood has become the most RIAA-certified female artist in country music history. The achievement puts her ahead of icons like Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, and Miranda Lambert — a feat no one takes lightly.

Underwood, who first captured America’s heart on American Idol in 2005, has since carved out a legacy defined by powerhouse vocals, faith, resilience, and authenticity. From “Jesus, Take the Wheel” to “Church Bells,” her catalog is a soundtrack of empowerment and emotion — and now, she’s officially the most decorated female artist in RIAA country history.

When the announcement hit, Carrie’s team shared a simple but powerful statement on social media:

“This milestone isn’t just about numbers — it’s about songs that connected, stories that mattered, and fans who never stopped listening. Thank you for every download, every spin, and every singalong.”

The comment section flooded instantly. Fans shared stories of how Before He Cheats, Cry Pretty, and Something in the Water carried them through heartbreak, healing, and faith. One fan wrote, “Carrie didn’t just sing songs. She sang my life.”

 Then Came Kelly Clarkson — and the Internet Exploded

Just hours after Carrie’s historic announcement, an older clip from The Kelly Clarkson Show began making waves again — the Kellyoke performance of “Before He Cheats.”

Originally aired in 2022, the cover was a full-throttle, goosebump-inducing tribute to Underwood’s biggest hit — and somehow, after all this time, it’s suddenly everywhere again. The reason? A viral TikTok post labeling it “the greatest live vocal of any talk show ever.”

Within days, the clip racked up millions of new views across platforms. Clarkson, dressed in black and backed by her tight-knit band Y’all, belted the revenge anthem with a mix of fury and finesse that only she could deliver.

Her tone was crystal clear, her belts were fiery but controlled, and her emotion — electric.

As one commenter wrote, “Carrie made it iconic. Kelly made it nuclear.”

 Two Voices, One Anthem — and Zero Competition

Though fans online were quick to compare their versions, both women have a long history of mutual respect and admiration. In fact, Kelly Clarkson has often cited Carrie as one of the most consistent and vocally disciplined artists in country music — while Carrie has repeatedly praised Kelly’s range, artistry, and fearlessness.

When Before He Cheats first dropped in 2006, it was an instant cultural moment. The song — a fiery story of heartbreak and revenge — became a genre-bending anthem that dominated not only country radio but pop charts as well.

It went on to win a Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance, and it became one of the defining country tracks of the 2000s. To this day, it’s one of the most streamed country songs by a female artist in history.

But what makes Kelly’s recent viral moment so special is how it reintroduces the song to a new generation — one that didn’t live through the “Before He Cheats” era in real time.

Young fans are discovering it now through Clarkson’s cover, then diving back into Carrie’s original — and realizing just how seismic that song really was.

 “Before He Cheats” — A Song That Never Dies

Before He Cheats isn’t just a hit. It’s a cultural artifact — a perfect storm of attitude, storytelling, and powerhouse vocals.

When Carrie released it, she was just a few years out of American Idol, but already proving she was more than a reality show star. The music video — with Carrie smashing headlights and strutting through smoky streets — became a defining visual of 2000s country power.

Eighteen years later, it’s still everywhere. The song has been featured in countless films, karaoke nights, and now, viral talk show clips.

Even in interviews, Carrie herself has admitted she never expected Before He Cheats to take on a life of its own:

“We recorded it because it was fun, fiery, and different. I didn’t realize I’d still be singing it almost two decades later — but honestly, I love that people still connect to it. It’s timeless, and it’s wild that it still hits like it did in 2006.”

 The Kellyoke Magic: Why Clarkson’s Cover Works

Kelly Clarkson’s Kellyoke segment has become a cultural phenomenon in its own right. Every morning, millions of fans tune in not just for celebrity interviews or cooking segments — but to see what song Kelly will tackle next.

From Whitney Houston to Aerosmith, Aretha Franklin to Adele, Kelly has covered them all. But few songs have struck as deep a chord with fans as Before He Cheats.

Her delivery was both homage and reinvention — honoring Carrie’s explosive original while infusing it with Kelly’s rock-soul energy.

Voice coaches online have even broken down the performance, praising Clarkson’s phrasing, breath control, and raw emotion. One expert noted, “Kelly’s approach sits right at the edge of pop-rock grit and country storytelling — exactly where this song lives.”

 A Viral Revival — and a Full-Circle Moment

In a way, this viral collision between Carrie’s new record-breaking title and Kelly’s revived cover feels poetic.

Both women began their journeys on American Idol — Kelly in 2002 as the show’s first-ever winner, and Carrie in 2005, whose victory helped cement the series as a legitimate launchpad for superstars.

Both became Grammy-winning icons. Both crossed genre lines while staying true to their roots. And both have built reputations as vocal titans whose performances never rely on auto-tune or gimmicks — just sheer talent.

So when fans started trending hashtags like it wasn’t about rivalry. It was about reunion.

“They’re two queens from the same kingdom,” one fan wrote. “Kelly can sing anything. Carrie owns the crown. Together, they remind us what real voices sound like.”

 Carrie’s Reaction? Pure Grace

When asked about Kelly’s viral Before He Cheats moment, Carrie’s response was classic Underwood — humble, gracious, and joyful.

“I adore Kelly. She’s one of the best voices in music, period. The fact that she covered my song and people still love it years later — that’s the greatest compliment an artist can get.”

Clarkson later replied on X (formerly Twitter):

“Carrie made Before He Cheats iconic. I just had fun trying to keep up!”

The mutual admiration melted fans’ hearts, proving once again that in an industry often driven by competition, true artists know how to celebrate each other.

 A Legacy Bigger Than Charts

At its core, this story isn’t about numbers or viral clips. It’s about legacy — about two women who changed what it means to sing country music.

Carrie Underwood, the record-shattering trailblazer whose voice brought faith and fire back to Nashville.

Kelly Clarkson, the vocal chameleon who can turn any song into a spiritual experience.

Together, they represent the best of what modern country-pop can be — fearless, passionate, and real.

And as the Before He Cheats cover climbs back into trending playlists and Carrie adds yet another milestone to her legendary career, one thing is certain:

Country music doesn’t just live on the charts. It lives in moments like this — when two voices, years apart, harmonize through time.