Kelly Clarkson's Reaction to the End of Brandon Blackstock's Spousal Support Payments Is Relatable
Kelly Clarkson had a long, hard road in her divorce from Brandon Blackstock because he kept dragging her back to court over what seemed to be every little issue. With a new year, a new city, and a new outlook on life, the 41-year-old talk show host is feeling all sorts of relatable emotions when it comes to marking this turning point in her split with her ex-husband.
One of Clarkson’s financial obligations to Blackstock is officially done this month — and she’s ready to move on. “Kelly is feeling relieved that her spousal support to Brandon has come to an end,” an insider told Us Weekly. “She’s been ready for this for a while now and is so happy her payments to Brandon will be complete.” The “Since U Been Gone” singer has been paying her ex $115,000 a month since they finalized their divorce in March 2022, in addition to the one-time payment of $1,326,161 that he received. She loves that “this chapter of her life can close with the new year.”
Clarkson hasn’t been quiet about this last year being a “fresh start” for her, but completing her spousal financial obligations to Blackstock makes it truly feel like “a clean slate in 2024.” In a legal twist of events, though, Blackstock owes money to his ex-wife, stemming from a California labor suit. The former music manager didn’t have a state license to operate as a talent agent and was ordered to refund Clarkson $2,641,374 in commissions. It could take some time for her to see those funds because Blackstock is (of course) appealing the decision.
The music superstar still pays child support to her ex for their two children, River, 9, and Remington, 7, to the tune of $45,601 a month until they reach their 18th birthday, graduate from high school, or get a full-time job. Clarkson does have primary custody of the kids, who are living with her in New York City where she films The Kelly Clarkson Show.
As for dating again, Clarkson is moving at her own pace, telling Access Daily in January 2023, “My therapist, it’s funny, was literally like, ‘You should go on a date,’ and I’m like, ‘No,’” she said. “I sound like such a cliche, but I’m really enjoying, like, me. I also, I don’t think marriage has to be for everyone. I think that you can exist in a relationship and it can be what you want it to be.” There’s nothing wrong with putting yourself first — you go, Kelly!
Before you go, click here to see the longest celebrity marriages.