Quite a few eyebrows raised when legal documents revealed that Kelly Clarkson changed her name to Kelly Brianne after her divorce from Brandon Blackstock became final. Brianne is the American Idol OG winner and NBC host’s middle name. Some folks wondered if that meant her professional name “Kelly Clarkson” would change.
“I’m 20 years in!”
Now, Kelly confirms that her professional name will not change. She dropped her married name Blackstock when she divorced and decided not to go back to Clarkson. But it only applies to her personal life. Her drivers licence? Kelly Brianne. Her tax returns? Kelly Brianne. Her bank accounts? Kelly Brianne. But as her afternoon talk show will remain “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” As will the names on her albums and credits on TV shows.
“I just got divorced, so I had to drop my married last name,” Kelly explained to People on the American Song Contest Red Carpet after Monday night’s live premiere in Los Angeles. “I just kept my middle name for my personal life. I’m still Kelly Clarkson.”
“I don’t think I can change Clarkson at this point. I’m 20 years in!” Kelly joked.
.@kellyclarkson Sets the Record Straight on Her Name Change: 'Too Late' to Go by Kelly Brianne #PEOPLEtheTVShow pic.twitter.com/7XhxsseZ5n
— People (@people) March 22, 2022
“My new name more fully reflects who I am.”
In the documents she filed to change her name, Kelly stated her reason for the name change, which is required by law: “A desire to change my name. My new name more fully reflects who I am.” The papers were filed on Monday, Feb. 14, St. Valentine’s Day.
The singer settled her divorce with Blackstock in March. Kelly will have primary custody of their children River (7) and Remington (5). Brandon, who lives in Montana, will have the kids one weekend a month for the time being. Kelly will keep the Montana ranch, but Brandon is allowed to live there until June 1, but is required to pay Kelly $12,500 a month in rent. If Brandon moves from Montana to another state, the custody arrangement will be re-evaluated.
Brandon will get spousal support equalling $115,000 a month, which ends in January 2024. Kelly will also pay him $45,000 a month in child support. She will also pay Brandon 1.3 million as part of the overall settlement.
Kelly CLARKSON is co-hosting the American Song Contest with rapper Snoop Dogg. The 8 week event competition will feature songs representing American States and territories all vying for the grand prize. The show is based on the popular Eurovision Song Contest from across the pond.
