The Impact of Brandon Blackstock’s Passing on Kelly Clarkson’s Career
The sudden passing of Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and left many wondering how it will affect her upcoming projects. Blackstock, who was 48 years old, had been battling cancer for over three years before his death. His passing comes at a time when Clarkson is already navigating a challenging period in her life, as she recently announced the postponement of her Las Vegas residency concerts in August due to personal reasons.
Clarkson, known for her roles as a coach on The Voice and host of The Kelly Clarkson Show, had already made the decision to delay her remaining performances before learning of Blackstock’s death. This development could potentially lead to further changes in her schedule, especially if her team decides to give her and their two children, River and Remington, more time to grieve.
The impact of this news on her professional commitments remains uncertain. While some of her shows may be affected, others might continue as planned. For instance, The Voice season 29 is scheduled to begin taping in August, with the first taping set for August 21. However, it is unclear whether Clarkson’s participation will be impacted by the tragic loss. Meanwhile, her talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, is expected to resume its regular schedule later this year.
In addition to her work on The Voice and her talk show, Clarkson is also preparing for the release of a new four-episode interview series titled Kelly Clarkson: Songs & Stories. This project, which features interviews and performances from notable guests such as Lizzo, the Jonas Brothers, Gloria Estefan, and Teddy Swims, was originally scheduled to air weekly starting August 19. However, there are indications that the entire series may have been pre-recorded, which could mean that its release timeline remains unaffected.
Blackstock’s passing has also brought attention to the complicated history between him and Clarkson. Their marriage, which lasted from 2013 to 2022, was marked by both personal and professional challenges. Initially, Blackstock served as her manager, but the relationship eventually became strained, leading to a highly publicized divorce. The couple engaged in legal battles over financial matters, including disputes over talent agent fees. They reached a settlement in May 2024, though the details of the agreement were not disclosed publicly.
Despite the difficulties, Clarkson and Blackstock maintained a co-parenting relationship, sharing joint custody of their children. The family dynamic was further complicated by Blackstock’s connection to Reba McEntire, who was married to his father, Narvel Blackstock, for over two decades. This familial link added another layer of complexity to the situation, particularly as McEntire is set to appear as a judge on The Voice season 28.
In the wake of Blackstock’s death, Clarkson took to social media to express her grief and explain the need to step away from her Las Vegas performances. She emphasized the importance of being present for her children during this difficult time. Her statement, while brief, highlighted the emotional toll of losing a partner and co-parent.
As the entertainment world mourns the loss of Blackstock, the focus now turns to how this tragedy will shape the future of Kelly Clarkson’s career. With multiple high-profile projects in the works, the next few months will be crucial in determining how she navigates this challenging chapter of her life.