Kelly Clarkson will never forget the moment her then-husband and manager, Brandon Blackstock, allegedly told her she wasn’t “sexy enough” to sit in a red chair on The Voice.
In a hearing before a California labor commissioner, Clarkson revealed that she had long aspired to be a coach on the hit NBC show—only for Blackstock to apparently dismiss her ambitions. He reportedly told her the network wanted a “sex symbol type” like Rihanna or “someone that was black” for the role. As Clarkson described it, she was “too similar” to Blake Shelton, who was already an established presence on the show.
“That stays,” Clarkson told her lawyer, “A wife doesn’t forget being told she’s not a sex symbol.”
From Personal Pain to Legal Vindication
This exchange unfolded amid a bitter fallout between Clarkson and Blackstock, following their 2020 separation. Their divorce was complicated by his dual role as manager, leading to legal entanglements.
A labor commissioner ruled that Blackstock had breached his duties—booking deals on Clarkson’s behalf that only licensed agents could legally negotiate. One such deal involved The Voice, for which Clarkson claimed she was not informed until NBC approached her directly.
As a result, the commissioner ordered Blackstock to reimburse Clarkson $2.64 million—including nearly $2 million tied to The Voice contract and commissions from deals with Wayfair, Norwegian Cruise Lines, and the Billboard Music Awards. The ruling described him as “not a credible witness” and noted inconsistencies in his testimonies. Blackstock has filed an appeal.
Making It on Her Own Terms
Despite the painful comment and the legal turmoil, Clarkson joined The Voice in 2018, remained through 2021, and returned again in 2023 while continuing to host The Kelly Clarkson Show—all while navigating her personal challenges.
After nearly seven years of marriage, Clarkson filed for divorce in June 2020. Their settlement in 2022 included $45,000 per month in child support and $115,000 per month in spousal support, which ended in January 2024. A source close to Clarkson said she felt “relieved” and renewed when that final payment was made.
A Legacy of Strength and Authenticity
Few stories resonate like this one: Clarkson, told she wasn’t what the industry was looking for, rose to prove her worth on a national platform. Not only did she secure her role on The Voice, but she also thrived, earning acclaim from fans and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with industry titans like Blake Shelton.
She may not fit a narrow, outdated template of a “sex symbol,” but Clarkson has built an indelible legacy on talent, tenacity, and transparency—on her own terms. And between courtroom victories and chart-topping success, she’s shown the power of owning one’s narrative and staying true to oneself.
