Kelly Clarkson, the American Idol winner, has made a poignant return to her daytime talk show, ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’, following the tragic death of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock. Season 7 of the popular talk show kicked off on Monday, September 29th, as she made her first appearance on the show since Blackstock passed away on August 7th due to complications of melanoma at the age of 48. The return of Clarkson to the show was marked by interviews with A Big Bold Beautiful Journey costars Colin Farrell and Margot Robbie, as well as highlighting the heroic acts of Kerrville, Texas, school bus drivers who rescued over 900 children during the July 2025 Texas floods.
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Clarkson, known for her powerful voice and engaging personality, has had to navigate through a challenging period in her personal life while maintaining her professional commitments. The news of Brandon Blackstock’s passing was shared by a representative for the Blackstock family, who revealed that he had been battling cancer for over three years and passed away surrounded by loved ones. Clarkson, who filed for divorce from Blackstock in 2020 after seven years of marriage, had postponed her Las Vegas residency shows in August to focus on her children, River and Remington, as well as Blackstock’s children from his previous marriage.
While Clarkson did not directly address Blackstock’s death during the season premiere of her show, ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’, the emotional weight of the loss was felt throughout the episode. The show’s musical director, Jason Halbert, described the premiere as emotional for everyone involved, hinting at the heartfelt segment on the Texas floods. Despite the challenges she has faced in her personal life, Clarkson remains dedicated to her craft, with plans to incorporate her experiences into her music on the show through the season.
The return of Kelly Clarkson to her talk show serves as a testament to her resilience and professionalism in the face of personal tragedy. Her ability to balance vulnerability and strength on-screen resonates with fans and viewers alike, as she continues to share her journey with authenticity and grace. The upcoming season of ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’ promises to be a reflection of the highs and lows of the past year, both in Clarkson’s personal life and her career, providing a platform for her to connect with her audience on a deeper level.
As Clarkson navigates through this challenging time in her life, the outpouring of support and love from fans and colleagues serves as a source of strength for her. The impact of her return to the show goes beyond entertainment, showcasing the power of resilience and the importance of finding joy and purpose even in the midst of adversity. The upcoming episodes of ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’ are set to be a journey of healing and growth for Clarkson, as she continues to inspire and uplift others through her music and her presence on-screen.