In September 2019, Clarkson launched her daytime talk show, “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” which, just like her best singles, became an instant hit. The show featured incredible guests, and Kelly gracefully carried the show with her humor and charm, effortlessly winning over audiences as well as guests.
The show was a runaway success, winning the pop star a Daytime Emmy award in its first season. In June 2020, she won Outstanding Entertainment Talk show host and several more Daytime Emmy Awards since. It looks like there isn’t a single thing that Kelly chooses to do that she doesn’t excel at.
A Rough Childhood
Born in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 24, 1982, Kelly Clarkson's parents, Jeanne Ann Rose and Stephen Michael Clarkson, got divorced when she was just six years old, and Kelly has since had an estranged relationship with her father.
She ended up staying with her mother while her brother, Jason, moved in with their father. Her sister, Alyssa, went to live at their aunt's. Kelly later shared that she tried to make things right with her father but felt incredibly "let down." Years later, the multiple-award-winning star sang a song about her rough childhood in her gut-wrenching hit song "Because of You."
Marine Biologist Dreams, Quashed!
You would think that someone of Clarckson's status would have had her sight set on music from infancy, but that's not the case here. Long before realizing her love for music, Kelly had decidedly different ambitions for the future. She dreamed of becoming a marine biologist, but a defining event derailed her dreams before they could even take shape.
Kelly did not almost drown or have close encounters in the sea. Instead, she made the grave error of watching the classic film, "Jaws." As a result, young Kelly was deeply traumatized and resolved never to find work that had anything to do with the ocean!
She Turned Down Three Scholarships
Going to college, for many young Americans, comes with a hefty price tag. However, Clarkson could have avoided that price tag had she chosen to get higher education. You see, Kelly had no less than three full college scholarships waiting for her after graduating high school. The world was her oyster, but she decided to turn down all scholarships.
Kelly was serious about becoming a singer and chose to seize that opportunity instead. Her loved ones did not understand the unusual decision, but Kelly would take the road less traveled. However, even the best-laid plans fall apart, as the aspiring singer would soon discover.
She Worked Several Odd Jobs
In 2001, she relocated to Los Angeles, the capital of the entertainment industry, to find her big break in music. However, it's not like people could magically know about her talent right away, so Kelly had to keep working once she arrived in L.A. to survive. The aspiring singer took on many side hustles, and working in the fast-food industry was one of them.
Kelly worked as a cocktail waitress at a comedy club. She also found jobs at Subway and Papa John's. Having experienced the hardships first-hand, Kelly has always related to the daily struggles that servers and others in the hospitality industry go through.
The Initial Disappointment That Was Los Angeles
Things did not go as planned in L.A., and she returned to Burleson, Texas, working several odd jobs to pay the bills. However, the aspiring star saw it as a temporary setback. She didn't give up and continued working on her dream. A year later, Kelly was back in Los Angeles, where she successfully auditioned for the first season of a singing competition called "American Idol."
Kelly sang Aretha Franklin's "Respect" for her audition and nailed it. It was an audition to be remembered — one for the history books of the successful reality show. She even managed to impress a normally-surly Simon Cowell.
Kelly Is an Unforgettable Idol
Despite some questionable song choices, people started to notice Kelly on the show. Paula Abdul loved her right off the bat, praising the singer's voice and personality. Simon needed more convincing, but even he was bowled over during "1990’s Week,” after which he compared her to Mariah and Celine.
When the finale rolled around, and she performed "A Moment Like This," there was no doubt a star was born. Her life irrevocably changed on September 4, 2002, when she became the first winner of “American Idol.” It was a tight contest between her and runner-up Justin Guarini, but Kelly had taken everyone’s breath away.
A Moment Like This
After winning the title on the show that changed her life, Kelly was overwhelmingly everywhere, reaping immense popularity and numerous fans. Kelly Clarkson's first single, "A Moment Like This," debuted on the charts less than two weeks after she won "American Idol."
The single quickly rose to No. 1 on the Billboard 100 and became the year's best-selling single. After that, 2002 went by in a daze, with Kelly performing for several end-of-the-year shows on some of the biggest radio stations in the US. Later that year, she also made her film debut in the rom-com musical “From Justin to Kelly.”
Honest Reviews
If you are scratching your head right now, trying to think if the existence of "From Justin to Kelly" was new information for you, you are not alone. Let's just say the movie didn't exactly become a cult classic. Kelly, like many others, was not a fan of "From Justin to Kelly." "It was never something I wanted to do," she later admitted to Radio.com.
However, the star revealed it was a contractual obligation, and they could have sued her for not doing it. Although "From Justin to Kelly" was a box office flop, it was a watershed moment in Kelly's career. She proved she was unafraid to take risks, even though her film was universally-panned.
Dizzying Success and Stardom
The film's flop didn't really put a dent in the young Clarkson's rise to success. She was launched into mega-stardom faster than you can say "Simon Cowell". Kelly's career began to take off at an incredible pace. She released her debut studio album, "Thankful," in 2003.
The album included some of her most iconic Idol performances — "Before Your Love" and "A Moment Like This." But the spotlight was on her hit single "Miss Inependendent," which soared to No. 1 on the Hot 100 singles chart. She also attended her first Grammy Week event in New York City in February 2003.
No Rest for the Wicked
No doubt, things were looking up for the instantly-famous Clarkson, but that is not to say she could just rest on her laurels. There was more work to be done. Kelly Clarkson had two hit singles within a year of winning "American Idol." But there was no rest for the wicked. In 2003, she began working on her next album.
That same year, Kelly’s song "Miss Independent" received three MTV Video Music Awards nominations for best new artist, best pop video, and the coveted Viewer's Choice Award. But, despite her seemingly stellar debut in the industry, things were far from peachy.
The Entertainment Industry Was Hostile
While "American Idol" is now taken seriously as a star-maker, things weren't like that when the show first started, which affected the way people saw Clarkson. Her sensational success on "American Idol" proved to be her undoing initially. The entertainment industry did not give her a warm welcome due to her involvement with the show.
Instead, she experienced cutting condescension and hostility for being from a talent show with a one-season run. She described the experience as "horrible," with everyone being rude to her at award ceremonies and on the red carpet. Kelly essentially spent the first few years apologizing for winning a talent show but would soon prove her detractors wrong.
T.V. Appearances
For an artist who was incredibly new to the scene, Kelly had already built up an impressive resume. Then, on September 28, 2003, she crossed another milestone as a guest star on the musical drama series "American Dreams." It seems like "From Justin to Kelly" did not deter her from giving musicals another chance, and it's a good thing it didn't.
Kelly appeared in one episode as Brenda Lee, her character inspired by the real-life 1960s vocalist. Kelly, as Brenda, was almost unrecognizable in a brunette bouffant. She reprised her role the following year in the episode "Tidings of Comfort and Joy."
Not Just a Reality Star
It took her only two years after winning "American Idol" to receive her first Grammy nomination – 2004 Best Pop Vocal Performance for her song "Miss Independent." This was her time to show the big kids at the playground that she was just as good and just as worthy as any one of them.
She had swiftly arrived and joined an exclusive club despite the pervasive hate. Kelly eventually lost to Norah Jones, but not without demonstrating she was here to stay. She had proved she was a force to be reckoned with and more than your average reality T.V. star.
The Poetic Justice of "Breakaway"
Kelly Clarkson's second studio album, "Breakaway" (2004), was a phenomenal success, becoming one of her most significant career achievements. The album featured some of Kelly's biggest hits to date, including "Because of You" and "Since U Been Gone." The title track earned platinum status in 17 countries, selling more than 12 million copies worldwide.
It peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and remained in the top 20 for more than 61 weeks. "Breakaway" was fittingly poetic in its success. The album saw Kelly cementing her status as a serious, independent artist and successfully shedding her "American Idol" tag.
Her Iconic 2005 VMAs Performance
On August 8, 2005, Kelly Clarkson won two Moonman trophies at the MTV Video Music Awards. She won Best Female Video and Best Pop Video for "Since U Been Gone." The talented star raised the roof with her upbeat performance of the song that evening.
Fans could not get enough of her fierce vocals and energy as she made her way from the stage through the crowd and back again. Not to mention how she was literally drenched during the performance, thanks to water sprayed on the stage. It was more than what she had bargained for, but it became one of the most memorable VMA performances in history.
Not One Grammy, But Two!
2006 was a landmark year for Kelly Clarkson. Moving away from her image as a talent show winner to a respected artist in her own right, she was conquering one milestone after the other. This was the year she went from Grammy-nominated to two-time Grammy winner.
At the 48th Annual Grammy Awards that February, the pop sensation won Best Pop Vocal Album for "Breakaway" and Best Pop Vocal Performance for her hit "Since U Been Gone." She also made her performance debut on the telecast in the same year, singing her heart-breaking single "Because of You,” again winning hearts worldwide.
Collaborating With Her Music Inspiration, Reba McEntire
In 2007, the American Idol's dream came true when she met her favorite country music idol, Reba McEntire, and even got to work with her. The pair recorded a duet of Kelly's song "Because of You," much to their fans' delight. The original single was incredible enough. With Reba McEntire in the mix, the world got another chart-topping hit.
Their duet peaked at No. 2 on the Hot Country Billboard chart. The two music legends clearly hit it off because Kelly appeared as a guest on Reba's self-titled series that same year. Later, Kelly would also marry Reba's then-stepson, music manager Brandon Blackstock.
Dark Clouds Over Her Third Studio Album
Kelly opted for an edgier musical direction on her next album, "My December," which was released in June 2007. The artist took more creative control this time around — producing and co-writing the songs, some of her darkest ones to date.
RCA was unhappy with how it turned out and limited album promotion. Two years later, Kelly rediscovered her old sound for her fourth studio album, "All I Ever Wanted." The single "My Life Would Suck Without You" had a unique love-song-meets-anthem vibe, becoming an instant hit. "All I Ever Wanted" received a nomination for Best Pop Vocal Album at the Grammys.
A Challenging Year
2007 proved to be the most challenging year in Kelly Clarkson's career. Tensions had been rife between her and her manager, Clive Davis, who tried to steer her away from the darker direction she took while working on her album. She ended up firing him and canceled her album tour for "My December" that year.
Although the album eventually had a late release in June and performed reasonably well, the bad blood between her and Davis had cost the project. The singer later expressed regret at how things went down between them, saying things had been blown out of proportion.
A Duet With Jason Aldean
While Kelly Clarkson was known for her singles in the pop and rock genre, country music was never off the table for her. Kelly and Jason Aldean performed a duet of Aldean's song "Don't You Wanna Stay" at the 2010 Annual Country Music Association Awards.
The performance received so many rave reviews that the artists recorded a studio version of the song, which fared even better – no surprises there! It received several nominations and won the Academy of Country Music Awards for Best Vocal Event of the Year in 2011. The duo also performed the hit song at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards.
Stronger Than Ever
Kelly released her fifth studio album, "Stronger," in October 2011. The album release was delayed several times due to logistics and leaked demos. But the wait was worth it! "Stronger" drew on Kelly’s country roots, receiving massive love from fans and critics.
This empowering anthem is still being sung and listened to by anyone who needs a little courage on rough days. She was already a mega-successful star by then. Kelly has sold over 10.7 million albums in the United States. Her album sales were second only to Carrie Underwood (12.4 million in sales) from among the "American Idol" franchise.
Kelly Sings at the Super Bowl 2012
Singing the National Anthem at the Super Bowl is a nerve-wracking task that can make or break careers. But Kelly Clarkson pulled it off flawlessly at the Super Bowl XIVI in 2012. To be fair, no one doubted that she had the vocals to successfully carry her through that experience.
Kelly's delivery was so spot on that it only elevated her reputation as one of the most powerful vocalists this generation had seen. Backed by a choir of children, the pop legend and O.G. American Idol winner gave a superior, lyrically-correct rendition of the song that won't be forgotten for decades.
Do You Feel the Love in the Air?
Things were going great for Kelly professionally, but what about the romantic front of her life? Well, romance had its turn too. Kelly began dating talent manager Brandon Blackstock in 2012. The couple grew deeper and more quickly in love, and a year later, in October 2013, they exchanged wedding vows in Walland, Tennessee.
Brandon became her manager, and she became stepmom to his two children from his previous marriage to Melissa Ashworth. Kelly legally adopted the kids — Savannah and Seth. “Wrapped in Red,” her first Christmas album, was released the same month as her wedding. Sounds like a busy month!
She Pivots to "The Voice"
Clarkson had her start as a contestant in a TV show, but that doesn't mean she was bound or chained to "American Idol" and she dipped her toes in the water of other reality TV franchises. In 2012, Kelly made appearances in and performed in the rival singing contest "The Voice."
She had previously appeared on season 2 of the show as a contestant adviser and mentor for coach Blake Shelton's team. Kelly appeared in four episodes of the series. The appearance was part of a hugely successful "Stronger" tour to promote her fifth album. Fans and even Kelly had no idea then, but she would be back on the show in a big way.
Creating History at the Grammys
Praises, awards, and accolades were pouring in for Kelly Clarkson, who, by now was a recording artist with lots of respectable projects under her belt. She won another Grammy in 2013 for Best Pop Vocal Album for "Stronger.”
The album was unmistakeably country and included now-iconic hits like "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" — arguably her most popular single to date — and "Mr. Know It All." The chart-topping album peaked at number two on the Billboard 200 and was certified platinum in the United States. Kelly made history as the first artist to win in the coveted category twice.
A Holiday Special
Coming up with special projects for the holiday season is a well-known practice in the entertainment industry — especially for musicians. Christmas albums are pretty common in that respect, but let's not forget about holiday specials. Everyone knows celebrities who host their own holiday specials have truly made it.
Not everyone gets the honor until they achieve a certain level of success. "Kelly Clarkson's Cautionary Christmas Tale" was released on December 11, 2013, on NBC. The hour-long holiday special was a smashing success, featuring performances from a star-studded cast including Robin Williams, Ken Jeong, Natalie Cole, and Kelly's long-time friend and music inspiration, Reba McEntire.
Navigating Motherhood and Body Shaming
Alongside Brandon's two kids from his previous relationship, Kelly and Brandon became proud parents to their daughter, River, in June 2014, and a son, Remington, in April 2016. Kelly continued working on her seventh album, "Piece by Piece," which was released in February 2015, while navigating the joys and demands of motherhood.
When she began touring for the album, Kelly received overwhelming unjustifiable hate. Trolls came at her, attacking her not for her music but for having the audacity to gain weight and keep it after pregnancy! Not one to stand down, Kelly destroyed body shamers and passionately advocated for body positivity.
She Rises Above and Focuses on Giving Back
Between juggling a new album, motherhood, and silencing body shamers, it is safe to say Kelly had her hands full. But the superstar somehow managed to squeeze in a massive fundraising event during this period. Did she have a time machine? Did she have a clone to delegate some responsibilities to? We will never know but we can keep speculating just for the heck of it.
She organized a "Miracle on Broadway" holiday concert in Nashville, Tennessee, that raised over $400,000 for numerous local charities. Proceeds also went to Kelly's charity, Fruition Fund, which she established through the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.
An Undisputed Star
Kelly’s seventh album was a tremendous success, effectively silencing all the blind hate online. With massive hits such as “Heartbreak Song,” the album reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 charts. Kelly also earned two Grammy nominations for “Piece by Piece.” The album was a significant win for her in more ways than one.
She had proved her detractors wrong and ended her association with RCA records. It was the label that she was signed with right after she won "American Idol" but it was time to try her luck elsewhere. Although the relationship with the record label had lasted for years, it was more tumultuous than beneficial.
She Defends Others From Fat Shamers
Knowing what it's like to be at the receiving end of remarks on her body, Kelly took it upon herself to support anyone unfairly chastised for their weight. She became an active voice in that field. When actress Valerie Bertinelli was at the receiving end of body shaming online, Kelly jumped to her friend's defense.
"True power is recognizing others' negativity and punching it square in the face w/all the positive, remarkable, intelligent, and beautiful light that seeps from our pores," she tweeted. "It's a shame people speak ill of others because while some of us are dancing, others are afraid."
A Heartbreaking Performance
In 2016, Kelly Clarkson paid a visit to the place that jumpstarted her career. She returned to "American Idol," obviously not as a contestant this time, and performed "Piece by Piece," a song about her strained relationship with her father. It was a touching performance that struck a chord with more people than Clarkson had expected.
In an appearance on the "Z100 Morning Show," Kelly described her audience's reaction to the song as very sad. The singer was overwhelmed by the response to the song. She felt both touched and disturbed at how so many people resonated with the message.
Kelly Clarkson VS. Carrie Underwood
Rumors about bad blood between Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood have always made the rounds. It seems like some people just can't stand to see two successful women without trying to pit them against each other. When another gossip piece emerged, Kelly was not afraid to shut it down, taking matters into her own hands.
She posted a picture someone had sent her describing the alleged rivalry, saying she officially had a feud with whoever chose the photo. Why should Carrie get the best angles while she had "the worst expression?" She capped things off with a scorching burn, "All I'm saying is if you're going to lie, at least give me a good picture."
On Messing Up Barack Obama's Name
Kelly might be a mega-successful star, but fans love her for being super relatable. During an interview with Seth Meyers in 2016, the singer recalled meeting Barack Obama for the first time and how she messed up his name! Obama was a senator then.
He had recently won a Grammy (you read that right!) in the “Best Spoken Word Album” category for "Dreams From My Father." Kelly was invited to the Senate to introduce Obama, and when she got up to speak, she blanked out! She could not remember his name or the Grammy category. Obama did not seem to mind, however. He even invited her to perform at his Presidential inauguration.
She Releases a Children's Book
Not one to shy away from new adventures, Kelly tried her hand at a different kind of art and released the children's book. Titled "River Rose and the Magical Lullaby," it was named after her daughter River Rose, and published in 2016 — the same year she gave birth to her son, Remington.
The story is a lyrical lullaby that helps take a young girl on an epic dream adventure. Kelly’s whimsical first book made it to the prestigious New York Times Bestseller list. Kelly added a second holiday-themed book to the collection. "River Rose and the Magical Christmas" in 2017.
Her Eighth Studio Album
Never tying herself to a specific musical genre in particular, Kelly Clarkson was not done surprising her fans, not even after more than a decade of running a high-profile career. She released her eighth studio album, "Meaning of Life," in 2017, the first with a distinctive soul/R&B sound.
The album was also her first with Atlantic Records. The singer toured extensively to promote the album in the States, but sales were disappointing. The album would become one of her lowest-selling albums. Regardless, it performed well initially on the airwaves and even debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 charts.
Voice Roles
Kelly Clarkson's most prominent instrument is obviously her voice, but knowing she has a career as a singer makes you forget that she can do other things with it too. In 2017, Clarkson took on a new project and got a voice role in the animated Christmas film, "The Star," where she voiced Leah, the horse.
She starred alongside a stellar cast, including Oprah Winfrey, Aidy Bryant, Keegan-Michael Key, and others. The film tells the story of an adorable equine who witnessed the birth of Jesus Christ. This was not Kelly's first rodeo. In 2011, she voiced herself in an episode of the popular cartoon series "Phineas and Ferb."
On Why She Joined "The Voice"
Kelly Clarkson returned to "The Voice" in 2017 as a mentor and adviser after first appearing on the show a few years earlier in 2012. In 2018, she became one of the four coaches in season 14. The decision to join the rival series did raise some eyebrows.
Many perceived it as a slight to "American Idol" — the show that discovered her and made her career. Kelly clarified to reporters that she genuinely thought "Idol" was over when she signed on for "The Voice." "American Idol" had already aired a farewell season in 2016 until ABC brought it back in 2018.
A Fan Favorite on "The Voice"
Kelly was a breath of fresh air on the show, regardless of her alleged motives. The singer enjoyed a great rapport with the contestants and her fellow judges. Her great interpersonal skills proved to us all she wasn't just a fabulous singer, but also a likable, approachable person fit to mentor and educate others. She was made for television.
Above all, Kelly's presence was a powerful testament to the kind of stardom and recognition contestants could aspire to after winning a singing show. She was insanely successful as a coach, with her singers winning seasons 14, 15, 17, and 21.
Kelly's Fangirl Moment
It may be hard to imagine our favorite celebs having a fangirl moment of their own, but those things can happen. And, to be honest, we think that anyone would get tongue-tied meeting a legend like Meryl Streep, even Kelly Clarkson, who is her own kind of legend anyway! Kelly spotted the Hollywood legend on the 2018 Golden Globes red carpet.
She went over and gushed about being "such a fan!" — which we believe is the customary thing to say in Streep's presence. She had adored the actor since she was eight. Meryl Streep was lovely, reportedly saying hello and gently brushing the singer's cheek.
She Voices Moxy
Like many little girls out there, Kelly always dreamt about playing a Disney princess as a child. Fate had different plans for the pop star. In 2019, she voiced the character Moxy in the animated film "Ugly Dolls." Kelly believed that Moxy was tailor-made for her — an anti-princess with a personality similar to the singer.
She called the film "a giant metaphor for life," where everyone is unique and comes in different sizes and personalities. Now all we have to do is hope that little Moxy has gathered a nice following of little girls who want to be just like her and the woman who voices her.
The Kelly Clarkson Show
In September 2019, Clarkson launched her daytime talk show, "The Kelly Clarkson Show," which, just like her best singles, became an instant hit. The show featured incredible guests, and Kelly gracefully carried the show with her humor and charm, effortlessly winning over audiences as well as guests.
The show was a runaway success, winning the pop star a Daytime Emmy award in its first season. In June 2020, she won Outstanding Entertainment Talk show host and several more Daytime Emmy Awards since. It looks like there isn't a single thing that Kelly chooses to do that she doesn't excel at.
Kelly as "Delta Dawn"
Kelly made it to be big screen as the voice of Delta Dawn in the animation film "Trolls World Tour" in April 2020. Kelly voices the fearless leader of the Country Music Trolls, Mayor Delta Dawn, who must keep peace and order in Lonesome Flats. The character fit her like a glove.
No one is more up to the task than Clarkson. The film grossed an impressive $47.9 million at the box office. The film's co-director Dave Smith described Kelly as a wonderful human being with no air about herself. As for her talent and energy? Smith called her "the real deal."
Kelly and Brandon's Divorce
Sadly for her many fans, it turned out that Clarkson's marriage was not exactly ideal, and just like many other couples in the entertainment industry, they too called it quits. Kelly filed divorce papers in June 2020, ending her almost seven-year marriage to Brandon.
Things got increasingly nasty as their split progressed. Kelly and Brandon fought for custody of their two children, and Brandon's management company (owned by his father) sued Kelly for unpaid commissions. Kelly, in turn, filed legal documents with the California Labor Commission, alleging the company and, by extension, her husband had defrauded her of millions of dollars.
She's Not Sure About Marrying Again
After ending her marriage ended the way that it did, Kelly was not sure if marriage is on the cards again, and she said as much. In March 2021, the singer came on Gwyneth Paltrow's talk show, where she opened up about her apprehensions. She praised her host for having the will and courage to start over.
Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin had divorced by then. It had been two years since the actor had moved on, found love again, and even remarried. Kelly was still in the middle of divorce proceedings and shared that she could not imagine doing it again.
The Queen Of Daytime T.V.
Clarkson was not about to have a trophy case that only displays music awards. Her daytime talk show made sure of that, and she is now the proud winner of multiple Emmys! The multi-talented star won two Daytime Emmys in June 2021 for outstanding entertainment talk show and outstanding entertainment talk show host.
The wins were twice as sweet this time around. Just a month before, NBC had announced that thanks to stellar ratings and Kelly’s popularity, she would be taking over the slot for "The Ellen Degeneres Show" after it ended in 2022. It was a significant coup for "The Kelly Clarkson Show."
A Messy Divorce
Kelly became legally single in September 2021, even as she continued to work out the divorce details with her ex-husband. Things had come to such a pass that Kelly had zero intention of settling. Sources said Brandon would not get a single penny unless the judge ordered it.
Kelly even tried to have him evicted from their Montana ranch, but in the end, agreed to give him a 5.12 percent stake in the property. In the middle of the drama, the singer kept working hard to create more music and released her ninth album, “When Christmas Comes Around," in October 2021.
She Changes Her Name
Kelly was ready for a new chapter in her life after her divorce from Brandon, and in anticipation, the singer marked the milestone in a big way. The "American Idol" winner changed her legal name to Kelly Brianne in mid-February 2022.
Well, "changed" may not be the right word here, as Brianne was her middle name already. What she did was simply raise it to the same level as her first name. Clarkson stated in court documents that her first and middle names better reflect who she is. By March 2022, things were official, and all speculation was laid to rest.
Officially Divorced
In March 2022, the long and messy ordeal of the divorce finally ended when Kelly and Brandon settled. Kelly received primary custody of the kids. Brandon attempted to contest the duo’s prenup agreement by questioning its validity. Fortunately for Kelly, the judge upheld the provisions of the original prenup agreement.
After all, is that not what prenups are for? The music executive eventually received $45,600 in child support and another $115,000 per month in spousal support. Here's to hoping that the two children as well as the co-parents learn how to make the most out of this new family dynamics.
She Pairs Up With Snoop Dogg
In 2022, Kelly Clarkson collaborated with rapper and Martha Stewart's best friend Snoop Dogg to host NBC's reality competition series, "American Song Contest." Inspired by the "Eurovision Song Contest," the show offers a platform for performers from the United States to compete for the title of the best original song.
It hoped to recreate the magic of Eurovision that gave us music legends such as Celine Dion and ABBA. Kelly and Snoop Dogg was an unlikely pairing, but somehow it worked! So far there has only been one season of the show but we can always hope for more to come.
Why She Left "The Voice"
Kelly was universally-loved on "The Voice," and fans were stunned when she announced that she wouldn't be around the next season. It turned out that she took a step back from judging the show to make time for her kids and personal life. We can only imagine what kind of a busy routine someone of her status would be under.
The singer revealed that the coming year would look different. She had consciously taken steps to balance work and home life better and just wanted to get away and have a fun time with her kids. More power to her!