Earlier this week, Kelly Clarkson postponed her Las Vegas residency for the rest of August due to a family emergency. A day later, news broke that the American Idol champ’s ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, had died Aug. 7 following a three-year battle with cancer.
Blackstock, 48, is Reba McEntire’s former stepson and previously managed Clarkson and Blake Shelton. Married from 2013 to 2022, he and Clarkson shared two children, River, 11, and Remington, 9. In light of this devastating loss, many fans are curious about the “Stronger” singer’s future on both her Emmy-winning talk show and her season 29 return to The Voice. While Clarkson has not spoken publicly since her ex-husband’s death, sources say she will return to the screen in some capacity this fall.
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What Happens to ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show?’
Despite the loss of her children’s father, sources tell TMZ that The Kelly Clarkson Show will move forward with its seventh season in September.
Earlier this year, rumors swirled around Clarkson’s multiple absences from the show, which TMZ now reports were due to Blackstock’s illness. Apparently, the whole staff knew the situation, but kept it private out of respect for the “Since U Been Gone” singer.
According to People, Blackstock had battled melanoma for the last three years. “She’s been devastated for the kids,” a source told the magazine.
What About ‘The Voice?’
The Kelly Clarkson Show isn’t the three-time Grammy winner’s only commitment to NBC. She is also set to join John Legend Adam Levine in spring 2026 for The Voice: Battle of Champions.
According to Page Six, an industry insider says that Clarkson has already filmed audition segments for season 29 of The Voice. However, she could still bow out of the Live Shows. “They cannot force her,” one source said.
It’s important to note that Clarkson has yet to speak publicly since her ex-husband’s passing. In an Instagram post announcing the postponement of her August shows, she wrote, “While I normally keep my personal life private, this past year, my children’s father has been ill and at this moment, I need to be fully present for them.”
Featured image by Denise Truscello/Getty Images for Live Nation Las Vegas
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