Importance Score: 20 / 100 🔵
Kelly Clarkson’s infatuation with Meryl Streep and Martin Short mirrors that of the broader American audience.
The inaugural “American Idol” champion, aged 43, disclosed on Thursday that her latest track, “Where Have You Been,” draws inspiration from the two legendary performers, both starring in the Hulu series “Only Murders in the Building.”
The Premature Release of the Single
The song debuted a day earlier for audiences of the versatile artist’s Sirius XM channel, “The Kelly Clarkson Connection.”
“I penned this song. This is — I rarely do something like this, but I was viewing ‘Only Murders in the Building.’ It’s Martin Short’s visage. He asks Meryl Streep’s character in the show, ‘Where have you been?’” Clarkson shared on the Sirius XM broadcast.
Song Composition and Inspiration
“He’s in absolute awe, and I thought, ‘Has anyone composed a song’ about this moment? The song is joyful; it’s akin to discovering something you believed to be almost entirely mythical and didn’t exist,” she stated.
Upon introducing the song, she added, “I trust you will relish it.”
Speculation About Streep and Short
Speculations regarding a romantic involvement have circulated for over a year between the pair. Streep, at 75 years old, first appeared on the show in its third season as Loretta Durkin, an actress who finds her long-awaited opportunity both for a career breakthrough and for love, largely due to Martin Short’s character, Oliver Putnam.
Despite their long-standing acquaintance, insiders suggest their romantic liaison only blossomed following their collaborative efforts on the show.
The Actors’ Personal Lives
The “Father of the Bride” actor was previously married to his wife Nancy Dolman for 30 years until her passing in 2010 from ovarian cancer. Streep has been estranged from her spouse, Don Gummer, since 2017, as first reported by Page Six in 2023.
Sources intimate that the romantic entanglement between the pair was “entirely unforeseen” and “surprised” them both.
“Meryl found herself captivated by Martin,” an insider disclosed. “He embodies a true gentleman, keeps her amused, and is an overall positive individual. She cherishes his company.”
Neither actor “were seeking a relationship when they initiated their romantic involvement,” the source observed.
Shock and Delight from Colleagues
“Only Murders in the Building” co-creator John Hoffman confessed to Decider last year that witnessing Streep and Short’s love affair unfold was “one of the most surprising developments.”
“I recall thinking, ‘Wow,’” Hoffman confessed. “As I became acquainted with Meryl, as I’ve known Marty, and watched them collaborate in Season 3, it was astounding. We were laughing endlessly, and they cherished each other’s presence on and off the screen in every conceivable way.”