The staff of The Kelly Clarkson Show are reportedly expressing remorse for their perceived judgment of the singer during a difficult period in 2023, after she took time off to support her then-husband Brandon Blackstock through a private health crisis. Blackstock passed away in August.
In spring 2023, Clarkson’s absence from the show sparked speculation among staff members, as her usual accessibility and openness lessened. An insider told the Daily Mail at the time that there had been a “dramatic change in behavior.” They described how she previously engaged with staff regularly, remembering personal details about their lives, but this changed abruptly. The atmosphere on set reportedly took on a “weird vibe,” leaving employees confused and unable to understand the reason for the shift in Clarkson’s demeanor.
However, the lack of public information regarding Blackstock’s health challenges left staff members making assumptions based on limited observations. In hindsight, after his death was announced, this period is being viewed differently by those involved with The Kelly Clarkson Show. According to a Daily Mail source close to the production team, understanding dawned upon them. “Suddenly, it was all clear to everyone,” they said. “And boy, did we feel like s-t. We judged Kelly too soon. We didn’t see what she was going through.”
This revelation exposes the inherent danger in making judgments based on incomplete information. It also underscores the importance of considering personal circumstances that might lie beyond an individual’s public persona.
While Clarkson has returned to her show following a period of leave after Blackstock’s passing, rumors surrounding her future with the program had already circulated earlier in the year. The New York Post alleged in May 2023 that she was considering quitting, citing a supposed shortlist of potential replacements that included Today Show alumna Hoda Kotb. This rumor proved unfounded, further emphasizing the turbulent atmosphere surrounding Clarkson’s personal and professional life during this period.
Clarkson’s experience highlights the challenges of maintaining public composure while navigating intensely personal crises. The staff’s acknowledgment of their past misjudgments serves as a reminder to approach situations with empathy and understanding before jumping to conclusions.
