‘A Lot Happened’ For Kelly Clarkson In The Last Year. Her Producers Don’t Know How She Balances It All

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After a summer marked by personal loss – the death of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock – Kelly Clarkson returned for Season 7 of *The Kelly Clarkson Show* in late September. While she hasn’t spoken about the tragedy on air, a coworker recently acknowledged the difficult time she and others have been going through and commented on her ability to maintain the show’s upbeat tone despite everything.

As a big Kelly Clarkson fan, I was really touched by how she started her new season. She immediately acknowledged the terrible floods that hit Texas, her home state, this summer. It was so moving to hear her recognize the first responders who bravely rescued over 900 children. Honestly, she even got a little teary talking about it, and her music director, Jason Halbert, told USA Today we were *all* feeling emotional. What impressed me most, though, was how she was able to compose herself and keep the show going after such a heartfelt moment. It just shows what a pro she is, and how much she cares.

I’m amazed at how Clarkson can switch gears so easily – going from watching something really moving to doing crafts with children, and then immediately performing a song with feeling. It’s incredible how she manages to do all of that!

Halpert raises a valid point that applies to many TV hosts. While audiences expect hosts to be energetic and upbeat, they also need to be able to show seriousness when the situation calls for it. Kelly Clarkson, for example, can easily switch between offering heartfelt support to people in need and playfully joking with guests or performing lively song covers. Halpert also shared some thoughts on those song performances:

The past year has been eventful for everyone, both personally and professionally. Some of the new songs will touch on things she might not usually discuss in an interview setting.

The song’s lyrics appear to be about the difficult personal issues Kelly Clarkson has been facing recently. Brandon Blackstock, her ex-husband, passed away in August after a fight with cancer, following several months of health concerns. It seems Clarkson was frequently traveling with their two children between New York, where she films her show, and Montana, where Blackstock lived, to be with him. Looking back, these trips now explain why she had to miss some show tapings earlier this year.

Although Kelly Clarkson hasn’t directly talked about her ex-husband’s death on her show, recent episodes have hinted at it. Singer and *American Idol* judge Lionel Richie recently discussed grief with Clarkson, which is a surprisingly serious topic for a generally lighthearted show. However, according to showrunner Alex Duda, balancing heavier subjects with more upbeat content has always been intentional for this talk show.

We’ve always believed in finding hope, even in difficult times. That’s the message we wanted to share with our premiere this year.

Life inevitably includes difficult times, and it’s important to recognize them. Many people are facing challenges right now, so it’s comforting that Kelly Clarkson offers entertainment while also acknowledging those hardships. Find out when *The Kelly Clarkson Show* is on in your area by checking your local TV listings.

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2025-10-12 00:38