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Fans of Michelle Branch, the American rock singer-songwriter and guitarist, have every reason to smile. Branch’s original 2002 hit “Goodbye to You” has been given new life this 2026, as a new duet with Maren Morris, who is primarily known for being in country music.  The BMG release of this new version follows the re-launch of Branch’s Grammy-winning 2002 hit “The Game of Love”, earlier in July 2026, as a duet version with “New Radicals”, who had written the song, which initially had Santana’s Latin-infused guitar techniques that are fluid slides, non-repeated riffs to complement and weave around Branch’s vocals, rather than overpower her ability and dilute the song.

Branch is set to release her 25th anniversary special album, “Everywhere and Back Again” in November 2026.

The collaboration teaser was made public when Branch made a surprise appearance at Maren Morris’ 10th anniversary concert, coincidentally marking the fact that it has been a decade since the release of her breakthrough, debut album “Hero”, at Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Branch was excited to have her childhood dream fulfilled, having watched MTV when she was younger.  

The country-leaning, modern track is accompanied by a Laguna Beach prom spoof-themed music video, as a homage to MTV in the early-2000s.

Directed by Jason Lester, the music video features both collaborators, as well as Kristin Cavallari, the original Laguna Beach cast member. The music video has been out since late-September 2026.

Branch is of Dutch Indonesian and French descent through her mother, and of Irish descent through her father. Branch is known in the genre of pop and rock, although she also does country. Branch made her major music label debut in 2001 with her album “The Spirit Room”. In 2000, Branch debuted independently with her album “Broken Bracelet”.

Morris has her father as her roadie-manager. Morris is usually associated with country music, although she has worked on R&B, pop, rock, and hip-hop material before. “The Middle”, which was among the Top 10 in various countries, was Morris’ breakout pop crossover single when she was chosen by Zedd and Grey to be the lead vocalist.

Morris’ given name was inspired by the late actress Maren Jensen, who was popularly known for her portrayal in “Battlestar Galactica”, the science fiction television series.