For years Kelly Clarkson's dalliance in country music has been little more than a playful tease. She shows up from time to time, suggesting that she'd consider crossing over at some point but then disappears. The emergence of a countrified version of her recent hit 'Mr. Know it All' could indicate she's finally ready to make the next move.

According to MjsBigBlog.com, this remix was first revealed at by an unnamed country radio station deejay, who called it her "new" song. It's a bit slower than the original version, with mandolin and fiddle replacing the drum machine and bright, pop-production.

Historically, the country audience has been slow to accept pop artists looking to dabble in country music (see Jessica Simpson) but perhaps Clarkson's slow entry into country waters will prove to be a more successful strategy. Her remake of 'Because of You' with Reba McEntire was a smash, and 'Don't You Wanna Stay' with Jason Aldean is arguably the biggest country ballad of the last five years.

Recently Clarkson has been showing up at Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert events. The original 'American Idol' winner is even planning a guest-mentor appearance on an episode of 'The Voice' next season.

 

Listen to Kelly Clarkson's 'Mr. Know It All' (Country Version)

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