Kelly Clarkson Ex Husband: Kelly Clarkson, the powerhouse singer and beloved talk show host, has been in the spotlight for years, not just for her music but also for her personal life. Her marriage to and eventual divorce from Brandon Blackstock made headlines, especially with recent developments involving his health and their ongoing legal battles. Let’s dive into their story, from their early days to the challenges they’ve faced post-divorce, and what it all means for Kelly and her family.
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How They Met and Fell in Love
Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock’s story began in 2006 at a rehearsal for the Academy of Country Music Awards. At the time, Brandon, a talent manager and son of Narvel Blackstock, was still married to his first wife, Melissa Ashworth. Sparks didn’t fly until they reconnected at the 2012 Super Bowl. Their chemistry was undeniable, and by December 2012, they were engaged. They tied the knot in October 2013 at Blackberry Farm in Tennessee, a picturesque setting for their new chapter. Together, they welcomed two children, River Rose (born 2014) and Remington “Remy” Alexander (born 2016), blending their family with Brandon’s two kids from his previous marriage.
- First meeting: 2006, at a professional event, though timing wasn’t right.
- Rekindled romance: 2012 Super Bowl, leading to a whirlwind engagement.
- Family life: Parents to River and Remy, plus Brandon’s older kids, Seth and Savannah.
The Marriage and Professional Partnership
For nearly seven years, Kelly and Brandon seemed like a power couple. Brandon wasn’t just her husband; he was her manager and an executive producer on The Kelly Clarkson Show. Their professional collaboration helped elevate Kelly’s career, from her role on The Voice to her Emmy-winning talk show. Kelly often spoke highly of Brandon, once sharing in a 2017 SiriusXM interview that she’d never felt such a strong connection before him. Their Montana ranch became a family haven during the COVID-19 pandemic, where they filmed remote episodes of her show. But behind the scenes, cracks were forming, leading to their eventual split.
- Brandon’s role: Managed Kelly’s career and produced her talk show.
- Public moments: Kelly praised Brandon’s support, contrasting him with her absent father.
- Montana retreat: A “beautiful” getaway that symbolized their family dreams.
The Divorce That Shocked Fans
In June 2020, Kelly filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. The announcement came as a surprise to fans, especially after Kelly’s heartfelt comments about their family life. The divorce, finalized in March 2022, was far from smooth. It involved heated disputes over custody, spousal support, and their Montana ranch, which Kelly ultimately kept. She was ordered to pay Brandon $115,000 monthly in spousal support until January 2024, plus $45,601 monthly in child support. Kelly later called the divorce “extraordinarily hard” in a January 2024 PEOPLE interview, channeling her emotions into her album Chemistry.
- Filing date: June 4, 2020, after nearly seven years of marriage.
- Custody outcome: Kelly gained primary custody of River and Remy.
- Financial toll: Significant spousal and child support payments, plus a one-time $1.3 million fee.
Legal Battles Over Commissions
The drama didn’t end with the divorce. In November 2023, a California Labor Commissioner ruled that Brandon and his father’s company, Starstruck Entertainment, violated the Talent Agencies Act by acting as unlicensed agents for Kelly. He was ordered to repay $2.6 million in commissions for deals like her The Voice gig. Kelly filed another lawsuit in March 2024, alleging violations dating back to 2007, seeking even more restitution. However, by May 2024, both parties settled, dismissing all claims and avoiding a public trial, as reported by PEOPLE. The settlement details remain confidential, but it marked a step toward closure.
- Initial ruling: $2.6 million awarded to Kelly for unlawful commissions.
- New lawsuit: Filed in March 2024, targeting Starstruck’s actions since 2007.
- Settlement: Reached in May 2024, halting a planned August trial.
Brandon’s Illness and Kelly’s Response
In August 2025, Kelly made headlines again by postponing her Las Vegas residency, Kelly Clarkson: Studio Sessions, due to a family emergency involving Brandon’s serious illness. In a rare personal statement on Instagram, she shared, “My children’s father has been ill, and at this moment, I need to be fully present for them.” This decision came despite their rocky history, showing Kelly’s commitment to co-parenting for River and Remy, now 11 and 9. Details about Brandon’s condition remain private, but sources suggest it’s significant enough to prompt Kelly to prioritize her kids over her career temporarily.
- Residency pause: August 2025 shows postponed for family reasons.
- Co-parenting focus: Kelly emphasizes being there for her children.
- Privacy stance: No specific details shared about Brandon’s health.
Moving Forward with Grace
Kelly’s journey with Brandon Blackstock has been a rollercoaster of love, loss, and legal battles. Yet, through it all, she’s shown resilience, channeling her pain into music and prioritizing her kids. Her recent actions—stepping back from work to support her children during Brandon’s illness—highlight her strength as a mother, even amid past tensions. As Kelly continues her career, from her new record label to her upcoming NBC show Songs & Stories with Kelly Clarkson, she’s embracing a fresh start. Her story reminds us that even in the messiest moments, family and personal growth can shine through.