Kelly Clarkson brought R&B singer Teddy Swims to the Kelly Clarkson Show on December 10, where the two sang a gripping duet of Swims’ hit “Lose Control.”
During the performance, Swims sang the emotional lyrics in a husky tone while Clarkson’s voice was powerful as always, but managed to blend in with his perfectly.
Listen to Swims’ “Lose Control” wherever you stream music!
What to know about Teddy Swims
Originally from Georgia, Swims (born Jaten Dimsdale) began to gain traction in the 2010s with his YouTube covers which highlighted his soulful voice. Then, he made it big when he dropped his debut studio album I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy in September 2023. The lead single off the album, “Lose Control”, reached the number 39 position on the Billboard Hot 100.
In the interview with Clarkson, Swims explained how the lyrics to “Lose Control” are about not letting your happiness depend on another person. He also talked about how he hopes his work can encourage others to take care of their mental health, and how he plans to use therapy to cope with experiencing fame.
“If I start that conversation, hopefully it’ll inspire somebody else to go get the help and do the work for themselves,” he said. “On this rocket ship that I’m currently on, I want someone to help me navigate that,” he added.
Clarkson’s advice as a longtime A-lister? Set boundaries. Learn to say “no.”
In a September interview with Grammy, Swims discussed how he realized he had a talent for singing.
“I love [singing], and I wanted this, so I worked hard to become good at it. I wanted to be the best I could at it, because using my voice means everything to me, and I want to know how to do everything I can with it,” he said.
He also talked about how the culture has shifted to musicians nowadays, allowing them to be more vulnerable without facing shame.
“These days, as an artist, I get to be absolutely insecure and absolutely terrified, and it’s what makes my artistry beautiful. And people that feel the way I feel can look at me and say, “That guy’s so insecure, and he’s so scared. But he’s doing it, and we want him to win,” he said.A
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He continued: “I don’t want to swallow my insecurities. I don’t have to wait until I feel like I’m worthy of love to put myself out there. Every bit of insecurity, and everything that’s going on in my life, I’m allowed to just wear it and put it on for everybody to see. That has helped me in more ways than me trying to be anything I’m not.”