Kelly Clarkson Reveals Hurtful Comments from Ex-Husband Brandon Blackstock About Her Role on The Voice

Kelly Clarkson recently made a shocking revelation about her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, during their contentious legal battle over how he managed her career. According to court documents obtained by The New York Post, Clarkson disclosed that Blackstock once told her she wasn’t “sexy” enough to be a coach on The Voice. This startling admission emerged as part of the ongoing dispute between the former couple, who were married for seven years before their divorce in 2020.

While they were together, Blackstock served as Clarkson’s talent manager, a role that has since come under scrutiny. In November 2023, a California labor official ruled that Blackstock had overstepped by handling certain aspects of Clarkson’s career, including her involvement with The Voice, without consulting her talent agents. As a result, Blackstock was ordered to pay Clarkson over $2.6 million in commission fees he had collected improperly.

In the newly released court documents, Clarkson testified that Blackstock advised her against joining The Voice because the network was allegedly “looking for a more sex symbol type.” Clarkson claimed that Blackstock suggested the network preferred someone like Rihanna, not only for her “sexy” image but also because the network “needed someone that was Black” for diversity purposes, as reported by People.

Clarkson further revealed that Blackstock told her she was “too similar” to Blake Shelton, implying that the show needed a different vibe. When asked how she remembered the details so vividly, Clarkson responded, “Well, a wife doesn’t forget a time she gets told she’s not a sex symbol, so that stays.” This painful memory highlights the emotional toll that Clarkson endured during her marriage, where her husband—who should have been her biggest supporter—undermined her confidence and suitability for a major television role.

Since her divorce, Clarkson has been candid about the struggles she faced, using her music as a way to heal. Her latest album, Chemistry, has been praised for its raw and vulnerable exploration of the emotional complexities of relationships and heartbreak. Reflecting on her journey, Clarkson shared, “I cannot express how appreciative I feel for having that kind of healthy outlet. Because the level of depression and things that come with divorce or grieving is extraordinarily hard.

You feel alone, and it’s just a blessing to be able to have that outlet for those emotions that are overwhelming.” She added, “It’s like, ‘I’m taking my power back.’ That sounds very therapy, but that’s because I love therapy, and I think it’s important to have those tools to navigate your life and relationships,” as reported by InStyle. Clarkson’s story is a testament to her strength and resilience, showing how she has turned her personal pain into a source of empowerment and artistic expression.