Kelly Clarkson was notably missing from her talk show earlier this year due to her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock’s health issues. Multiple sources have revealed to PEOPLE that the Grammy-winning singer, aged 43, was absent from several episodes of “The Kelly Clarkson Show” starting in March. On August 6, Clarkson made an announcement on Instagram, stating that she would be postponing her Las Vegas residency to focus on caring for their children, River (11) and Remington (9), during Blackstock’s illness.
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In her Instagram post, Kelly expressed her regret at having to postpone the remaining August Studio Session dates in Las Vegas. She mentioned that while she usually keeps her personal life private, she needed to prioritize being there for her children as their father has been unwell. She thanked her fans for their understanding and support during this challenging time. Clarkson also had to delay the start of her Las Vegas residency in early July to protect her voice, citing the need to rest and preserve her vocal health for her performances.
Fans first noticed Clarkson’s absence from her talk show on March 3 when actor Simu Liu filled in for her as a guest host. Subsequently, other celebrities like Roy Wood Jr., Wanda Sykes, Josh Groban, and Brooke Shields took turns as guest hosts in Clarkson’s absence. However, Kelly returned to host her namesake show on March 20, celebrating its 1,000th episode with special guests Tyler Perry, Alicia Vikander, and musical duo Mau y Ricky.
Clarkson’s Las Vegas residency shows, originally scheduled for this year, have been rescheduled to July and August 2026, according to Ticketmaster. Despite these changes, her NBC interview and music special, “Songs and Stories with Kelly Clarkson,” is set to air as planned on August 19. Fortunately, the rescheduling of her concert dates is not expected to impact production schedules for “The Voice” and the upcoming season of “The Kelly Clarkson Show.”
Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock were married for seven years before their separation in June 2020. The former couple shares two children together. Clarkson filed for divorce in 2020, which was finalized two years later. In an interview with PEOPLE in January 2024, Kelly described the divorce as incredibly challenging, emphasizing the importance of having an outlet for her emotions through her music.
As Clarkson navigates this personal situation, fans continue to show their support for the singer and her family. Kelly’s dedication to her children and responsibilities as a performer highlight her resilience and commitment to those she cares about. Keeping her fans informed about the changes to her schedule, while prioritizing her family’s well-being, shows Kelly’s strength and grace during difficult times.
In the world of entertainment, where schedules can be demanding and unpredictable, Kelly Clarkson’s decision to put her family first serves as a reminder of the importance of balance and self-care. Her openness about her struggles and challenges resonates with many, making her not just a talented artist but also a relatable and inspiring figure for her fans around the world.