Earlier this month, we reported that Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband Brandon Blackstock had died at the age of 48 after a private three year battle with cancer.
Now, it’s being reported that Clarkson is to be replaced on the upcoming season of The Voice as her focus remains with the two young children that she shared with Blackstock.
Clarkson To Be Replaced On The Voice
B0th season 28 and season 29 of The Voice are currently in production. Season 28, which premieres next month, has also been impacted by Blackstock’s death, as his stepmother Reba McEntire is currently a coach.
Meanwhile, Clarkson had been set to be a coach on season 29. However, she will be stepping away from this role in the wake of Blackstock’s death.
“Kelly will not be at the tapings scheduled next week for Thursday and Friday. Production is working on a replacement coach for her now,” an insider told The Sun. “Kelsea Ballerini and Miley Cyrus have been considered to fill in, but right now, it’s all still a work in progress.”‘
Ballerini previously filled in for Clarkson during the Battle Rounds of season 20. At the time, Clarkson was sick, so she couldn’t be at the shows. Ballerini has been back on The Voice various times since then, and she was a coach in season 27.
As for Cyrus, she also has a lengthy history with The Voice. Indeed, she previously served as a Key Advisor for season 10 before becoming a full-time coach on seasons 11 and 13.
Clarkson And McEntire Are ‘Family’ To The Voice’s Production
The insider went on to explain that both Clarkson and McEntire are “family” to producers and crew members.
“Whatever they want, the show will give them. They don’t owe the show anything right now,” the source continued. “But they are being incredibly professional throughout this. As much as one can be during a time like this.”
“Kelly, especially, though needs a lot of time to heal. They understand that. Not to mention her kids are starting their new school year,” the insider added. “It’s terrible timing but is there ever good timing for such a tragedy?”
Clarkson and Blackstock shared two children together: a daughter River Rose, 11, and a son Remington, 9. Though her divorce from Blackstock was notoriously contentious, Clarkson has been left “devastated” over his death for the sake of their children.
“When she found out that he was sick, she remained protective of him for their sake,” an insider told People Magazine after Blackstock’s death. “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.”
Clarkson and Blackstock were married from 2013 until she filed for divorce in June of 2020. At the time, Clarkson cited “irreconcilable differences.” A messy divorce battle ensued as Clarkson and Blackstock bitterly fought over everything from custody to finances to property. It wasn’t until 2022 that their divorce was actually finalized.
Blackstock Was Dating Clarkson’s Ex-Assistant
It has since been revealed that at the time of his death, Blackstock had been dating Clarkson’s former assistant Brittney Marie Jones. Sources told Daily Mail that while Clarkson had come to terms with this, Blackstock dating Jones “was just the icing on the cake of the disappointment [Clarkson] felt over the delusion of their marriage.”
“Brandon chose to move on with someone Kelly knew and trusted. And that just adds to the person he ended up being to her,” the insider continued. “He was a great father, but wasn’t a great husband.”
This has clearly been a very difficult time for Clarkson and her entire family. While we will miss her on The Voice, we can certainly understand why she’d need to take a step back to heal.
Please join us in saying a prayer for Kelly Clarkson and her children as they mourn this loss!