I’m far from being a huge fan of country music (really, really far), but I love me some Kelly Clarkson to infinity, so whatever she chooses to put her pipes on, I wholeheartedly support (especially when we’ve got months to wait until her new album comes out).

Though Kelly has mostly left the genre to another former American Idol to dominate, she did duet with Reba McEntire in 2007 on her own song “Because Of You,” resulting in a #2 Country hit. Her second team-up, guesting on Jason Aldean’s “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” gave the duo a three-week run at #1 on the same Billboard chart in March. (Aldean is a huge fan of Miss Kelly too.)

Last night, Kelly returned to American Idol with Aldean in tow, performing “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” in what I imagine is a push for their duet to dominate the pop charts in a big way, a la Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now” (a country song I fell for early on).

Which Idol contestant is Kelly rooting for this season? Lauren Alaina. “She has such an amazing texture to her voice.” Also a Lauren fan, I hope that Kelly’s praise and her presence on stage last night helps Lauren let loose and really deliver on the promise the 16-year-old showcased during the audition rounds.

Purchase Jason Alden with Kelly Clarkson – “Don’t You Wanna Stay” via iTunes, Amazon MP3.