Kelly Clarkson Returns to 'The Voice': A Tribute to Brandon Blackstock
Kelly Clarkson Returns to The Voice Amid Ex-Husband's Tragic Passing
The music world is still reeling from the shocking news of Kelly Clarkson's ex-husband Brandon Blackstock's untimely passing at just 48 years old. But the singer, 43, is gearing up to return to her role as a coach on NBC's hit singing competition show The Voice, just days after his death.
According to sources close to the production team, Clarkson will be rejoining fellow coaches Adam Levine and John Legend for Season 29 of Battle of the Champions. The show is also producing two seasons simultaneously, which might have been a blessing in disguise for Clarkson as she navigates this difficult time.
Rumor has it that Jennifer Hudson stepped in to help with rehearsals for battle rounds after Clarkson's initial absence earlier this month. The singer had taken a break from taping following the tragic news of her ex-husband's illness.
But what's even more astonishing is that Reba McEntire, a fellow coach and friend of Blackstock's stepmom, has confirmed to Deadline that she will be honoring all of her commitments for Season 28. This includes participating in the show, which premieres this fall with an all-star lineup featuring Michael Bublé, Niall Horan, Snoop Dogg, and McEntire herself.
Blackstock was married to Clarkson from 2013 to 2022 and had two beautiful children together - River, 11, and Remington, nine. The family's private struggles with his secret battle with skin cancer have been well-documented, but the exact nature of their relationship during this time remains a mystery.
As Clarkson returns to her role on The Voice, she will be joining forces with some big-name stars for Season 29. But what's really got tongues wagging is that Blackstock was planning to honor his wife and kids in a special way. Insiders claim he had been quietly building a new life with girlfriend Brittney Marie Jones, who just so happens to have been Clarkson's former assistant.
But wait, there's more! In a bombshell revelation, it appears that Jones has been listed as the talent manager for Headwaters Livestock Auction and The Valley View Rodeo in Bozeman, Montana - a business venture that Blackstock had been working on with her. Yes, you read that right - Clarkson's ex-husband was allegedly building a life with his assistant-turned-girlfriend behind her back.
The news of Blackstock's death came hours after Clarkson announced she would be postponing the remaining dates on her Las Vegas residency in August due to his illness. A representative for the family released a statement saying: "It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away. He bravely battled cancer for more than three years and was surrounded by family when he passed."
But what's really got everyone talking is the celebration of life hosted by Jones in Montana over the weekend. The event, attended by close friends and family members, included a poignant tribute to Blackstock's love of horses and the great outdoors.
And if that wasn't enough, Clarkson has also been busy prepping for her return to television with a special new project called Songs & Stories. The four-part series will see Clarkson exploring the history behind certain musical numbers, complete with appearances from some big-name stars including the Jonas Brothers, Gloria Estefan, Teddy Swims, and Lizzo.
In a heartwarming clip from the upcoming show, Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas can be seen fondly remembering their time opening for Clarkson on tour back in 2005. But what's really got everyone talking is Nick's admission that he has a co-writing credit on a song with Clarkson and comedy legend Steve Martin - a secret project that even his brothers didn't know about!
The special comes as a welcome distraction from the tragic news of Blackstock's passing, but one thing is for sure - Kelly Clarkson will be taking her rightful place back in the spotlight soon. Stay tuned!
