Kelly Clarkson has endured a difficult year, following the death of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, with whom she shares her kids, River and Remy. Now, the star will officially return to our screens on September 29 for the newest season of her award-winning series, The Kelly Clarkson Show. In a statement from NBC, the network shared that the seventh season of the hit series will begin production on September 8, with the first week of shows set honor the brave people who rescued campers during the Texas floods in July.
The devastating floods claimed the lives of at least 132 people, with over 100 still missing in the area. Kelly hails from Texas and was set to perform at a benefit concert for the victims in August before she was forced to cancel due to Brandon's death. "Unfortunately, Kelly Clarkson will be unable to appear at Band Together Texas as planned, due to personal circumstances," the organization shared. "We send our love to Kelly and her family."
A new chapter
NBC shared that the new season of Kelly's show will welcome a slew of A-listers, including Emily Blunt, Channing Tatum, Marion Cotillard, Lionel Richie, Colin Farrell, Scarlett Johansson, Shonda Rimes, Dwayne Johnson, Matthew McConaughey, Julia Roberts, Margot Robbie and Reese Witherspoon. The show debuted in 2019, has gone on to win 22 Daytime Emmy Awards, and is nominated for eight more in 2025.
Kelly has helmed the series for over 1,000 episodes, cementing herself as a TV staple in the process. She will also return to The Voice for season 29 alongside John Legend and Adam Levine. The mother of two was forced to miss a day of shooting following Brandon's death, with her fellow American Idol alum and talk show star Jennifer Hudson stepping in to help out.
Family tragedy
Kelly and Brandon were married for almost seven years before splitting in June 2020. The talent manager passed away on August 7, leaving behind his two kids with Kelly, as well as his older children, Savannah and Seth, whom he welcomed with his first wife, Melissa Ashworth.
"Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years," his loved ones shared in a statement. "He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family's privacy during this very difficult time." The 48-year-old died from melanoma, a malignant form of skin cancer.
Saying goodbye
Just a day before the announcement, Kelly postponed her upcoming August performances, sharing that she needed to be with her kids River, 11, and Remy, nine. "Unfortunately, I need to postpone the remainder of the August Studio Session dates in Las Vegas," she wrote on social media. "While I normally keep my personal life private, this past year, my children's father has been ill, and at this moment, I need to be fully present for them."
"I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows, and I so appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding," she concluded. The duo first met at the Country Music Awards in 2006, and reconnected in 2012 when she performed the national anthem at the Super Bowl. They married in October 2013, celebrating with an intimate ceremony in Tennessee.