Country Singer Thanks Kelly Clarkson for 'Literally Changing My Life' after Covering Her Song

Elizabeth Nichols says she quit law school after Kelly sang her song.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:55pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of shimmering sequins and shattered disco ball fragments, captured in dramatic high-contrast studio lighting to create a glamorous, high-fashion aesthetic.The glittering, high-energy visuals of a country music star's big TV appearance capture the excitement and career-changing impact of a major celebrity co-sign.Today in Nashville

Country singer Elizabeth Nichols had a breakout hit with her song 'I Got a New One,' and then got an even bigger boost when Kelly Clarkson covered it on her talk show last year. Nichols says the experience 'literally changed my life,' leading her to drop out of law school and pursue music full-time. Now, Nichols is appearing on The Kelly Clarkson Show in a full-circle moment to perform the same song that Clarkson helped propel to success.

Why it matters

This story highlights the power of a major celebrity like Kelly Clarkson to help launch a new artist's career. Clarkson's decision to cover Nichols' song on her show not only drove streams and sales, but also gave Nichols the confidence to pursue her passion for music over a more traditional career path. It's an inspiring example of how a single high-profile co-sign can change the trajectory of an up-and-coming artist's life.

The details

Last May, Kelly Clarkson covered Nichols' debut single 'I Got a New One' on her talk show, telling the audience she 'always love[s] shining a light on a fellow Texan.' After Clarkson's Kellyoke version aired, the song hit #1 on the iTunes Country chart and spent multiple weeks there. Nichols says she 'screamed at her TV for three minutes' when she saw Clarkson's cover, and that the experience led her to drop out of law school and pursue music full-time.

  • In May 2025, Kelly Clarkson covered Elizabeth Nichols' song 'I Got a New One' on her talk show.
  • After Clarkson's cover aired, Nichols' song hit #1 on the iTunes Country chart and stayed there for multiple weeks.
  • In April 2026, Elizabeth Nichols is appearing as a guest on The Kelly Clarkson Show.

The players

Elizabeth Nichols

A 23-year-old country singer-songwriter from Texas who had a breakout hit with her song 'I Got a New One.'

Kelly Clarkson

A Grammy-winning pop and country singer who hosts the nationally syndicated talk show The Kelly Clarkson Show.

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What they’re saying

“When I saw Kelly Clarkson cover my song, I don't think I ever felt anything like that. My wedding might not compare (sorry to my future husband).”

— Elizabeth Nichols, Country Singer

“It's such an honor that she'd even sing something that I wrote. That week, I dropped out of law school, and now I do this full time. And I can't believe that today I get to sing my song on The Kelly Clarkson Show. The same song that she sang, so it's so full circle.”

— Elizabeth Nichols, Country Singer

“Kelly, thank you so much. You literally changed my life. My dad wants to have a couple of words with you because he really wanted me to be a lawyer, but I'm very happy.”

— Elizabeth Nichols, Country Singer

What’s next

Elizabeth Nichols will perform her hit song 'I Got a New One' on The Kelly Clarkson Show, which will air on April 17, 2026.

The takeaway

This story demonstrates the profound impact a major celebrity co-sign can have on an up-and-coming artist's career. Kelly Clarkson's decision to cover Elizabeth Nichols' song not only drove streams and sales, but also gave Nichols the confidence to pursue her passion for music full-time, even at the cost of leaving law school. It's an inspiring example of how a single high-profile endorsement can change the trajectory of an artist's life.