Kelly Clarkson Takes Break from The Voice Following Ex-Husband's Passing: Season 29 Adjustments and Support for Coaches
Kelly Clarkson is taking a break from her coaching duties on The Voice following the passing of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock. The upcoming season 29 tapings will proceed without her presence as she mourns the loss. The show, now titled The Voice: Battle of Champions, features Clarkson alongside John Legend and Adam Levine as coaches. Clarkson, who shares two children with Blackstock, is focusing on healing and supporting her kids during this difficult time. The production team is accommodating her absence and working on finding a replacement coach for the upcoming tapings. The loss of Blackstock has also impacted the filming of Season 28, where Reba McEntire, Blackstock's stepmother and a fellow coach on The Voice, is expected to miss some of her scheduled tapings as well. The show is prioritizing the well-being of Clarkson and McEntire, offering them the support they need during this challenging period. Blackstock passed away on August 7, 2025, after battling melanoma for three years. The coroner confirmed his death was due to natural causes, surrounded by his family at home. In addition to his children with Clarkson, Blackstock had two other children from a previous marriage. Clarkson and Blackstock were married in 2013 and divorced in 2022. The show is adjusting its filming schedule to accommodate the coaches' needs, emphasizing their well-being above all else during this time of mourning.