Kelly Clarkson Drops New Single Where Have You Been Inspired by Meryl Streep and Martin Short's On-Screen Chemistry

Kelly Clarkson (Dok. Spc)

Wartagate.com - Pop superstar Kelly Clarkson surprised fans by releasing her newest single, Where Have You Been, a day earlier than planned during her guest appearance on Sirius XM radio this Thursday.

According to a report from the New York Post on Friday (May 2), Clarkson revealed that the idea behind her latest romantic ballad was sparked by an unexpected source: a scene from the Hulu mystery-comedy series Only Murders in the Building. 

The inspiration came specifically from the touching chemistry between legendary actors Meryl Streep and Martin Short.

Clarkson shared that she was moved by the sweet, almost serendipitous affection shown between their characters and felt compelled to write a song that captured that sense of surprising yet deeply fulfilling love. She described the feeling as "unexpected but absolutely beautiful."

In the show’s third season, Meryl Streep joined the cast as Loretta Durkin, a talented but underappreciated actress who finds both a breakthrough role and love, thanks to Oliver Putnam, portrayed by Martin Short. 

Though both actors are 75 and had known each other long before the series, their intimate performances ignited public speculation about a possible off-screen romance.

Martin Short was married to actress Nancy Dolman for three decades and was by her side through her battle with ovarian cancer until her passing in 2010. 

Meanwhile, Meryl Streep's separation from husband Don Gummer—whom she reportedly split from in 2017—was only confirmed publicly in 2023.

Adding to the intrigue, Only Murders in the Building co-creator John Hoffman once mentioned in an interview that the natural closeness between Streep and Short became one of the most surprising “plot twists” during the making of the series.

Now, Clarkson’s heartfelt new single serves as a tribute to that kind of love story—unexpected, genuine, and quietly magical.