**Kelly Clarkson Reflects on Emotional ACM Awards Performance Amidst Personal Turmoil**
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In a candid revelation, Kelly Clarkson shared details from a profoundly challenging moment in her career during the 2022 ACM Awards. Just half an hour before taking the stage, she discovered that her divorce from Brandon Blackstock had been finalised, an event that would typically be overwhelming for anyone. However, her experience was further complicated as she prepared to perform “I Will Always Love You,” a song famously associated with Whitney Houston and originally penned by Dolly Parton.
During an appearance on the Las Culturistas podcast, Clarkson explained that she had received the news regarding her divorce just moments before her performance. She expressed how the timing felt surreal, remarking, “Everything was final, my life, 30 minutes before that performance.” The burden of personal upheaval weighed heavily on her as she stood ready to pay tribute to a musical legend.
Parton, who was the host of the ACM Awards that year, had personally chosen Clarkson to perform the iconic song. Little did she know that Clarkson was grappling with such emotional turmoil at that critical moment. As Clarkson prepared backstage, she had a heart-to-heart conversation with Parton that helped to ground her before she took to the stage.
“I was like, ‘I’m sorry, it’s just kind of a wild moment for me, and I’ve got to go out there and do this song,’” Clarkson recalled. The encouraging words exchanged between the two stars provided Clarkson with the reassurance she needed. Reflecting on this heartfelt encounter, she stated, “What she said backstage to me… was just a really beautiful thing. And really helpful.”
Clarkson noted that despite the emotional obstacle presented by her recent divorce, she recognised that her performance was intended as a tribute to the late Whitney Houston. “This moment isn’t about you,” she reminded herself as she prepared to sing. Her insight into the power of performance to honour someone else helped her to process her own emotions.
Dolly Parton’s support did not go unnoticed, as she later praised Clarkson’s performance during the broadcast. After the stirring rendition, Parton reflected on the moment, stating, “I know that Whitney is smiling down on us tonight, so thank you very much — she would be proud of that.” She revealed her own emotional experience, admitting, “I was backstage trying not to cry my false eyelashes off — slinging snot in every direction and tears.”
The performance itself was a tremendous success, with many noting the emotional resonance of Clarkson’s voice. The song, which has become synonymous with both Houston and Parton, is considered a challenging piece even under normal circumstances. Clarkson’s ability to deliver a poignant tribute amid her personal struggles exemplified her strength as an artist.
Kelly Clarkson’s divorce from Brandon Blackstock marked the end of a seven-year marriage, following their split in 2020. The couple shares two children, daughter River, 12, and son Remington, 10. Clarkson has since described the journey through her divorce as difficult but one that has shaped her as both a person and an artist.
In 2023, Clarkson recounted the timing of her ACM performance during a chat with Andy Cohen, humourously lamenting, “Screw you, universe. That’s the timing?” This light-heartedness amidst the context of her emotional experience illustrates her resilience and ability to adapt to challenging situations.
Recently, Clarkson announced the conclusion of her talk show, *The Kelly Clarkson Show*, after its seventh season. She has transitioned to focusing on her music career, releasing her new single “I’d Be Lyin’” in July 2023—the first of the year.
As she continues to navigate her personal and professional journey, Clarkson’s reflections on that pivotal ACM Awards performance highlight the strength that can emerge from vulnerability, and the profound connections that can form in shared moments of upheaval.