Kelly Clarkson Returns to The Voice After Brief Absence Following Ex-Husband Brandon Blackstock’s Death

Kelly Clarkson Returns to The Voice After Ex-Husband’s Death

Kelly Clarkson, 43, is set to return as a coach on The Voice this week following the death of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, at age 48. The singer, who shares two children with Blackstock, had temporarily stepped back from filming Season 29’s “Battle of the Champions” earlier this month. Jennifer Hudson filled in during rehearsals, but Clarkson will now rejoin Adam Levine and John Legend for the upcoming season.

A Busy Schedule Amid Personal Loss
Clarkson’s return comes as The Voice films two seasons simultaneously. Season 28, premiering this fall, features coaches Michael Bublé, Niall Horan, Snoop Dogg, and Reba McEntire. McEntire’s participation was initially uncertain due to her familial ties to Blackstock (her stepson), but sources confirm she’s honoring her commitments. Clarkson, a veteran coach since 2018, will also launch Season 7 of The Kelly Clarkson Show in September.

[Image suggestion: Kelly Clarkson on The Voice set with Adam Levine and John Legend]

Brandon Blackstock’s Private Battle
Blackstock, who was married to Clarkson from 2013 to 2022, died after a three-year battle with skin cancer. The pair co-parented children River, 11, and Remington, 9. Clarkson’s recent absences from work were linked to his illness, with staff respecting the family’s privacy. She’s also set to appear in a pre-recorded NBC special, Songs & Stories, featuring guests like the Jonas Brothers, Gloria Estefan, and Lizzo.

Celebration of Life and Complicated Ties
Blackstock was honored at a private Montana gathering attended by his “loving partner” Brittney Marie Jones—formerly Clarkson’s assistant. Their relationship reportedly began while he was still married to Clarkson. Attendees included close friends and family, though Clarkson’s presence was unclear. An obituary highlighted Blackstock’s Montana ventures, including a rodeo business with Jones.

[Image suggestion: Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock with their children in 2019]

Moving Forward
Despite personal challenges, Clarkson remains focused on her career. Her Las Vegas residency was postponed due to Blackstock’s declining health, but she’s now resuming work. Meanwhile, tributes poured in for Blackstock, with friends sharing memories of his love for Montana’s “cowboy way of life.”

[Image suggestion: Reba McEntire on The Voice set]

Clarkson’s resilience shines as she balances motherhood, her talk show, and coaching—proving her strength amid profound loss.

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