The Impact of Brandon Blackstock’s Passing on Kelly Clarkson’s Career and Personal Life
The sudden passing of Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. Blackstock, who was 48 years old, had been battling cancer for over three years before his death. His passing is expected to have a significant impact on Clarkson’s professional and personal life, particularly as she continues to navigate her career with NBC.
Clarkson, known for her role as a coach on The Voice and the host of The Kelly Clarkson Show, had already announced plans to postpone her Las Vegas residency concerts in August. This decision came just a day before news of Blackstock’s death spread. The move was reportedly made to allow her and their two children, River and Remington, time to grieve and process the loss.
Taping for her shows may also be affected, depending on how the network and production teams adjust schedules. While no official statement has been released yet, it remains unclear whether the upcoming taping of The Voice will be impacted by the tragic news. However, the show is scheduled to begin recording in late August, with the first taping set for Thursday, August 21.
In addition to The Voice, Clarkson is also involved in an upcoming four-episode interview series titled Kelly Clarkson: Songs & Stories. The series, which features interviews and performances from artists like Lizzo, the Jonas Brothers, Gloria Estefan, and Teddy Swims, is set to air weekly starting August 19. A recent trailer for the show suggested that the episodes may have been pre-taped, raising questions about the timing of its release.
Blackstock’s connection to The Voice extends beyond his relationship with Clarkson. He was married to Reba McEntire’s second husband, Narvel Blackstock, making him part of the extended family of the show’s judges. This adds another layer of complexity to the situation, as many within the show’s production team may have known or worked with Blackstock.
Clarkson’s personal life has been marked by several high-profile relationships and legal battles. She and Blackstock were married from 2013 to 2022, during which they shared two children. Their divorce, finalized in 2022, was not without complications. The couple engaged in a lengthy legal dispute over commission fees that Clarkson claimed Blackstock improperly collected while serving as her manager. The issue was eventually resolved in May 2024, with a settlement reached that included financial compensation and custody arrangements.
Despite the legal challenges, Clarkson and Blackstock maintained a co-parenting relationship, with joint custody of their children. They agreed that the children would primarily live with Clarkson in Los Angeles, while Blackstock would have visitation rights in Montana. The terms of their divorce also included monthly child support payments and a lump sum payment of $1.3 million.
Blackstock’s death comes at a time when Clarkson is preparing for new projects and responsibilities. Her talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, recently concluded its sixth season, with the seventh season set to begin taping in the fall of 2025. Meanwhile, her upcoming Songs & Stories series is expected to debut in late August.
Clarkson has remained relatively private about her personal life, but her public statements have often reflected her emotional journey. In past interviews, she has spoken about her views on love and marriage, expressing skepticism about the permanence of relationships. She once said, “Love is not forever,” emphasizing the challenges and complexities of maintaining long-term partnerships.
As the entertainment world mourns the loss of Brandon Blackstock, the focus now turns to how Kelly Clarkson will navigate this difficult time. Her ability to balance her personal grief with her professional commitments will be closely watched by fans and colleagues alike.