Kelly Clarkson's Life Was Totally Changed By Her Divorce

Even equipped with the most empowering divorce anthems, resolving to end a marriage and disentangle a joint life is incredibly disruptive, made even more complicated by the involvement of kids. Kelly Clarkson is among the celebrities to have undergone a split in the public eye, with the pop singer and talk show host filing for divorce from Brandon Blackstock back in 2020. The two originally tied the knot in 2013 — Clarkson looked totally different in a throwback wedding photo — and had two kids together.

The "Since U Been Gone" singer's life totally changed after her divorce, with the split resulting in an expensive, years-long legal battle and prompting the star to transition her show from LA to New York City. "Sometimes you don't know what life has in store for you, and you think your life is going to go one way, and it's OK that it doesn't," she told People in 2024. "You never know how beautiful that might be."

While the Hollywood figure was able to make the best of this major life change, she and her family faced an even bigger tragedy in August 2025. Blackstone, a talent manager, passed away at the age of 48 after facing cancer for three years. "When she found out that he was sick, she remained protective of him for [the kids'] sake," a source told People. "Kelly has always tried to keep things classy. It became clear earlier this year that Brandon was not doing well. She's been devastated for the kids."

Kelly Clarkson has undergone some major life changes since divorcing Brandon Blackstone, her cross-country relocation being one of the biggest. After finalizing the split in 2022, the "American Idol" alum made the decision to move "The Kelly Clarkson Show" from LA to New York City in 2023, kicking off Season 5 in the new locale. "I was very depressed for the last three years — and maybe a little before that, if I'm being honest. I think I really needed the change," Clarkson told People in 2023, adding that her family is doing super well since the move.

The celebrity has been refreshingly open about her mental health journey, with Clarkson's frank admission about antidepressants demonstrating why pill shaming needs to stop. The Texas native revealed on the "Las Culturistas" podcast that she started medication in the wake of her divorce, naming it as an essential part of her recovery from grief. "I was on Lexapro for like, I think two months," the star said. "My thing was, I just can't smile anymore for America right now. I'm not happy and I need help ... and it was honest to God, the greatest decision ever."

While both of these things seemingly helped Clarkson rebuild her life post-divorce, writing and releasing her tenth studio album "Chemistry" was also extremely therapeutic for the celeb. "I cannot express how appreciative I feel for having that kind of healthy outlet," she told People. "Because the level of depression and things that come with divorce or grieving is extraordinarily hard." It's clear that Clarkson's break-up took her life in an unexpected direction, but the star seems to have made the best of her situation.