Kelly Clarkson’s Ex, Brandon Blackstock, Ordered To Pay Singer $2.6 Million For Unlawful Business Deals

Kelly Clarkson‘s former husband, Brandon Blackstock, has been ordered to pay over $2.6 million to the acclaimed singer due to his involvement in several mishandled business transactions.

As Clarkson’s manager, Blackstock engaged in contractual agreements on her behalf, a responsibility that should have been undertaken by her agent.

A California labor commissioner ruled that Blackstock is obligated to pay Clarkson a sum of $2,641,374 for the fees he received from these deals, which encompassed contracts related to The Voice and the Billboard Music Awards.

The ruling states, “Under the Talent Agencies Act (TAA), a manager, like any person without a talent agency license, cannot procure or attempt to procure employment for artists.”

Clarkson and Blackstock began to date in 2013 and tied the knot in the same year. Their marriage ended when Clarkson, winner of American Idol season one, filed for divorce from Blackstock in 2020. The divorce was finalized two years later. The former couple has two children together.

Clarkson has utilized her music as a means to publicly navigate and process her separation. Her most recent album, Chemistry, serves as a comprehensive chronicle of her relationship and the intricate range of emotions she has experienced throughout the past few years.

In a performance in August, Clarkson modified the lyrics of her song “Piece By Piece” to transform it into a self-love anthem that celebrates her newfound independence.

On her talk show in March, she performed a cover of Gayle‘s “ABCDEFU” and adjusted the lyrics in a way that alluded to her divorce, and showcased her ability to express her journey through music.

In a March episode of Angie Martinez’s IRL podcast, Clarkson spoke about how the divorce had affected her young children.

“I literally ask my kids every night when we’re snuggling up in the bed, ‘Are you happy? And if you’re not, what could make you happier?’” she said. “A lot of times they’ll be like, ‘You know, I’m just really sad. I wish Mommy and Daddy were in the same house.'”

“They’re really honest about it,” Clarkson added. “I get it. I’m from a divorced family as well. It sucks.”

Clarkson has recently been showing off her 40-pound weight loss on social media since her divorce.