Kelly Clarkson and Keke Palmer Perform TLC’s ‘No Scrubs’ Duet
Kelly Clarkson and Keke Palmer are certainly not novices when it comes to performing a timeless hit.
The pair unexpectedly launched into a rendition of the 1999 TLC classic “No Scrubs” during Palmer’s visit on “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” in a clip shared on the show’s YouTube channel on January 22.
Here’s what happened: They participated in a game titled “Pop Pop Quiz,” led by “American Ninja Warrior” announcer Matt Iseman, where the answers to questions pertained to the lyrics of specific songs. The score was tied as they faced the final question.
“From which side of the car was the ‘scrub’ leaning while trying to holler at TLC?” Iseman inquired.
“Passenger side of my best friend’s ride!” Palmer responded before Iseman could finish his question.
The crowd erupted in applause as she grabbed a microphone and began singing “No Scrubs,” with Clarkson also joining in, performing the hit that reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The duo delivered a powerful performance while Iseman danced and the audience rose to their feet, swaying to the music.
As they concluded, the audience continued to cheer wildly, while Clarkson humorously remarked on how the 31-year-old “Nope” actress could be such a fan of the song.
“She’s been up here talking about her age, and that song doesn’t really fit your age group,” Clarkson playfully joked.
“I recall being in second grade and performing this in my school’s talent show,” Palmer replied. “Yes, I did. And I portrayed Chilli in a movie,” she added, referencing her role as TLC member Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas in the 2013 TV film “CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story.”
Fans tuning into the duet on YouTube were thoroughly impressed by the collaboration between Palmer and Clarkson.

“That no scrubs harmony was PERFECTION,” one viewer commented.
“Alright now Keke!! You better SING, girl!!!” another fan wrote. “Okay, sooooo, I’m definitely going to need a full version of these two performing No Scrubs!! Kelly’s harmonies were, as always, spot on, showing us once again that she can sing with ANYONE, and why SHE is the original American Idol!!!”
“If they don’t eventually collaborate on an R&B track, it will be a crime against humanity,” someone else praised.
“Woooow, they absolutely nailed that performance! I replayed it twice; they have such amazing chemistry,” another user raved.
Palmer now joins a stellar lineup of artists who have shared the stage with Clarkson on her show, including but not limited to Jelly Roll, Miranda Lambert, Weezer, Alanis Morissette, Babyface, and Pink.