Kelly Clarkson was spotted leaving Los Angeles on August 23, 2025, marking the first time she’s been photographed in public since the death of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, on August 7.
TMZ published photos of the original “American Idol” winner at LAX airport with her kids and her sister, Alyssa. Dressed in all-black, including sunglasses and a black hat, Clarkson had a “somber expression,” TMZ reported, as her group arrived at LAX and could be seen unloading their luggage from a vehicle.
Kelly Clarkson Has Been in Los Angeles Filming ‘The Voice’
After her divorce from Blackstock was finalized in 2022, Clarkson moved from L.A. to New York the following year with their kids — River Rose, now 11, and Remington (Remy) Alexander, 9. Blackstock settled in Montana, trading in his work as a talent manager to run his own ranch and rodeo business.
Clarkson has been in Los Angeles to tape episodes of “The Voice,” which she agreed to return to as a coach for season 29 before Blackstock’s death. The songstress missed filming one episode due to Blackstock’s death, but her fellow “American Idol” alum Jennifer Hudson filled in for her.
Clarkson was expected to return to film “The Voice” Battle Rounds on August 21 and 22 in Los Angeles, but likely needs to return to New York for her kids to start school and to kick off the next season of “The Kelly Clarkson Show.”
Insiders at the daytime talk show confirmed to Deadline on August 19 that she would be back in New York to kick off a new season of the talk show in September without delay.
Kelly Clarkson Canceled Her Las Vegas Residency to Be With Her Kids
NBCClarkson abruptly canceled the remainder of her Las Vegas residency shows on August 6, writing in a social media post, “Unfortunately, I need to postpone the remainder of the August Studio Session dates in Las Vegas,” she wrote in her social media update. “While I normally keep my personal life private, this past year, my children’s father has been ill and at this moment, I need to be fully present for them.”
Clarkson continued, “I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows and I so appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding.”
The following day, Blackstock died at age 48 following a three-year battle with melanoma. The former couple was married from 2013 to 2022, though they split in 2020.
Blackstock was diagnosed with cancer after their divorce was finalized, according to People. A source close to the family told the outlet that after his diagnosis, Clarkson did everything she could to protect their kids and ensure they had time with their dad.
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Kelly Clarkson Out With Her Family: 1st Photos Since Ex-Husband’s Passing