In a recent revelation, pop sensation Kelly Clarkson shed light on a challenging chapter in her career, claiming that her ex-husband and former manager, Brandon Blackstock, once questioned her suitability as a coach on “The Voice.” The songstress, who excelled as a coach on the NBC talent competition for nine seasons, alleges that Blackstock expressed doubts about her perceived lack of “sexiness” for the role.
According to court documents, Clarkson disclosed that Blackstock, who had managed her career for an extended period, opined that her public image bore too much resemblance to fellow “Voice” coach Blake Shelton. Blackstock allegedly suggested that the network executives were in search of a coach with a more overtly sensual appeal, citing Rihanna as an example.
Clarkson, undeterred by these remarks, eventually joined “The Voice” during its 14th season in 2018 and remained with the show until the conclusion of its 21st season in 2021. Despite the alleged reservations expressed by Blackstock, Clarkson’s tenure on the show was due to her successful coaching style and popularity among contestants.
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The court documents also revealed that when questioned about this incident in court, Clarkson candidly remarked to her lawyer, Ed McPherson, “Well, a wife doesn’t forget a time she gets told she’s not a sex symbol, so that stays.” Blackstock has yet to publicly respond to these claims.
This revelation follows Clarkson’s highly publicized divorce from Blackstock in 2022, culminating in the finalization of their seven-year marriage. The couple shares two children, nine-year-old River Rose and seven-year-old Remington Alexander. Notably, a California labor commissioner ordered Blackstock to pay Clarkson over $2.6 million in November 2023 for unlawful business dealings conducted on behalf of his ex-wife.
Initially obligated to pay Blackstock $115,000 per month in spousal support, Clarkson’s financial ties to her ex-husband reportedly concluded this month. The celebrated “American Idol” veteran and talk show host also subtly addressed the challenges of her marriage’s unraveling on her 10th studio album, “Chemistry,” released in the preceding year.