All About ‘The Voice’ Coach, Kelly Clarkson’s Relationship With Her Ex-Husband, Brandon Blackstock

Kelly Clarkson is one of the most renowned and beloved American singers, songwriters and television personalities. Her career began in 2002 when she decided to audition for the first season of the reality TV show, American Idol: The Search for a Superstar. Well, as you might already be aware, Kelly went on to win the competition in September 2002. As she continued to rise to fame, Kelly released her first studio album, Thankful, in 2003, followed by nine more albums over the years.  

Currently, Kelly Clarkson is in the spotlight not for one of her album releases but for appearing as a coach on the popular TV singing competition, The Voice Season 29. She was also seen in the same role during the 2018-2021 and 2023 seasons. With fans really excited to see more of Kelly and how she guides the contestants this season, many have also started to wonder about her personal life. For the unversed, Kelly Clarkson was married to her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, for nearly 7 years. Keep reading to find out more about their relationship.  

Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock met for the first time at an Academy of Country Music Awards rehearsal  

It was almost two decades back, in May 2006, when Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock crossed paths for the first time at a rehearsal for the Academy of Country Music Awards. During a conversation with People in 2013, Kelly admitted that before Brandon, she had had only three other boyfriends, all of whom she had never dated seriously. Kelly compared her previous relationships to “skinny jeans” while she needed “Wranglers.”

However, the moment that Brandon walked in, making everybody laugh, she knew that she was going to “end up with him.” She added that at the time she “felt something” after seeing Brandon. However, it is important to note that during their first encounter, Brandon was married to his then-wife, Mellisa Ashworth, though the couple went their separate ways in 2012.  

Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock reconnected during the 2012 Super Bowl 

Despite their first meeting being years before, Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock didn’t start dating until 2012. During the 2012 Super Bowl, Kelly performed the national anthem at the game while Blake Shelton performed America the Beautiful alongside Miranda Lambert, his now ex-wife. It is interesting to note that Brandon’s father, Norwell, was Kelly’s manager at the time, while Brandon himself managed Blake. Recalling the time, Kelly jokingly told SiriusXM in 2017 that she was super nervous about performing there, not because she didn’t want it to suck for the millions of people watching, but because she wanted to impress Brandon. Kelly added: 

“We didn’t even know each other, but he had walked past me once, and there was a moment in my crazy head. He thought I hated him, too. When I finally confessed that, ‘I really dig you,’ he was so shocked because he thought I hated him. I hadn’t let on that I liked him. Inside, I was like, ‘Ask me out!’ but outside, I was like, ‘I love being single and coming home every night alone. It’s awesome.'” 

Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock had their first date on the day Whitney Houston died 

It is well known among Kelly Clarkson fans how much she idolises Whitney Houston. And, it was on the same day that her idol, Whitney, passed away that she went on a date with Brandon on February 11, 2013. During a 2013 interview, Kelly said that it was “the funniest/worst thing ever”, adding that she thought of it as a bad omen.  

Kelly Clarkson called the night she and Brandon Blackstock got engaged the happiest night of her life 

In December 2012, Kelly took to X (formerly Twitter) to share that she and Brandon had got engaged. She wrote, “I’m engaged!!!!! I wanted y’all to know!! Happiest night of my life last night! I’m so lucky and am with the greatest man ever.” Apparently, on the night that Brandon proposed to her, Kelly had suddenly thanked him “for being an awesome guy.” This is because he was the only man who had loved her properly. Shortly after she made those remarks, Brandon proposed to her, and Kelly had no clue.  

Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock got married and revealed they were expecting just a month later  

Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock tied the knot on October 20, 2013. At the time Kelly tweeted, “I’m officially Mrs. Blackstock. We got married yesterday at Blackberry Farms in TN, the most beautiful place ever!” Just a month later, on November 19, 2013, the singer surprised fans by announcing that she and Brandon were expecting their first child. Finally, on June 12, 2014, the couple welcomed their daughter, River Rose Blackstock.  

Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock welcomed their second baby in 2016 

On April 12, 2016, Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock welcomed their second child, a son whom they lovingly named Remington Alexander. Kelly once again shared the happy news on X by writing, “Meet Remy, our newest [addition] to the family!” She also posted a series of black-and-white photos of their son on Instagram, including one showing her husband cradling Remy.  

Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock had a bitter divorce battle  

After seven years of marital bliss, Kelly Clarkson shocked everyone after filing for divorce from Brandon on June 4, 2020, citing irreconcilable differences. Even after this, she continued to maintain that her kids were her top priority. While she did manage to get the primary physical custody of her and Brandon’s children, the latter sought USD 301,000 in spousal support and USD 135,000 in child support monthly.  

In August 2021, a judge signed off on the dissolution of Kelly and Brandon’s marriage. However, it is worth noting that during their divorce proceedings, the pair’s Montana ranch became a point of contention. Ultimately, Kelly had to agree to give Brandon 5.12% of the Ranch after losing a legal fight to evict him from the place, as Brandon was living in the home. Kelly and Brandon’s divorce was finalised in March 2022, with Kelly being ordered to pay USD 1.3 million to her ex-husband, in addition to the monthly spousal and child support.  

Brandon Blackstock passed away from cancer at age 48 on August 4, 2025.  

Also read: Inside ‘The Voice’ Coach, John Legend’s Two Decades-Long Relationship With His Wife, Chrissy Teigen