Kelly is ditching the Clarkson!
Kelly Clarkson has officially changed her name after divorcing her former husband, Brandon Blackstock. But according to The Blast, who obtained the legal documents, Kelly’s official legal name is now Kelly Brianne, her first and middle name.
It’s worth noting that a change to her legal name does not mean her entertainment “brand” will change. “Kelly Clarkson” has been a thing since 2002, and it’s worked for her so far! Kelly Brianne will probably be the name she signs on legal documents, or uses to check into hotel rooms. But who knows, maybe an official rebrand is coming.
Will Kelly change her brand?
In the documents, she 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.
Maybe Kelly wants her name to NOT reflect the men who failed her in life. Kelly’s biological dad, Stephen Clarkson, abandoned her after he divorced her mother. She could never reconcile with him over the years. And while her marriage to Brandon Blackstock in 2013 seemed fairy tale at first, it’s dissolution has been messy.
In 2020 she filed for divorce from Blackstock. In short, he tried and failed to change the prenup he signed, and his father’s company sued Kelly for breach of contract. After Blackstock attempted to lay claim to the Montana ranch they bought when married, Kelly called him a “squatter” and tried to kick him out. But in the end, she forked over an ownership percentage to him.
Some women, especially when they have kids, hang on to their ex’s last names after a divorce. Kelly obviously wants no part of that.
Kelly looking forward to American Song Contest
Nevertheless, Kelly’s career is as busy as ever. Recently, Kelly had to quarantine at home after her family was exposed to COVID-19. When Taraji P. Henson filled in as guest host on her afternoon talk show, Kelly called in to chat.
She shared her excitement about co-hosting the new NBC singing competition, American Song Contest saying, “I’ve been obsessed with Eurovision. When I went overseas years ago after winning Idol, I noticed this huge competition. I never heard of it before. And it was amazing.”
“And I thought it was so cool because all the territories get represented. So they’re finally bringing it over to the States.”
