Kelly Clarkson is prioritizing her children’s well-being after the death of their father, Brandon Blackstock, on Aug. 7.
While it’s been confirmed that The Kelly Clarkson Show will have new episodes beginning in September, there are question marks around Clarkson’s participation on Season 29 of The Voice. According to The U.S. Sun, Clarkson is taking a leave of absence from taping the NBC competition show.
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Even though Season 29 won’t air until the fall, Seasons 28 and 29 are being filmed concurrently to cut down on production costs. So, producers are looking at some Voice veterans to step in for Clarkson.
“Kelly will not be at the tapings scheduled next week for Thursday and Friday. Production is working on a replacement coach for her now,” a source told the publication. “Kelsea Ballerini and Miley Cyrus have been considered to fill in, but right now, it’s all still a work in progress.”
THE VOICE, Kelly Clarkson (2nd from left), with winners Girl Named Tom (Caleb Liechty, Bekah Liechty, Joshua Liechty), ‘Live Finale’, (Season 21, ep. 2126, aired Dec. 14, 2021). photo: Trae Patton / ©NBC / courtesy Everett Collection
Ballerini was a coach on Season 27 and filled in for Clarkson in Season 20 when she was out sick. Cyrus was a key advisor in Season 10 and a coach in Seasons 11 and 13.
Blackstock’s death also impacted the coaches on Season 28 because Reba McEntire is in the cast. She was formerly married to Blackstock’s father, Narvel Blackstock, and even though they divorced in 2015, she still considered him her stepson. McEntire missed several tapings, although it was unclear if another celebrity stepped in for her.
According to People, Clarkson has kept her focus on her kids, River, 11, and Remington, 9, during Blackstock’s battle with cancer.
Kelly Clarkson, Reba McEntire in attendance for Muhammad Ali”s Celebrity Fight Night XVII, JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, Phoenix, AZ March 19, 2011. Photo By: James Atoa/Everett Collection
“When she found out that he was sick, she remained protective of him for their sake,” a source explained. “Kelly has always tried to keep things classy. It became clear earlier this year that Brandon was not doing well. She’s been devastated for the kids.”
As she and her children navigate their grief, the insider noted that Clarkson will continue to keep her personal feelings about the divorce out of the equation.
“The divorce was incredibly difficult for her — messy, painful, and something she felt terrible about,” the source added. “But she always wanted her kids to have the best relationship possible with their dad. She never spoke poorly about Brandon to the kids.”
It’s a time for healing.
Before you go, click here to see which celebrity kids lost their parents too soon.
Terri Irwin, Bindi Irwin, Robert Irwin at the induction ceremony for Posthumous Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Steve Irwin, Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA April 26, 2018.
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