Divorce proceedings are rarely straightforward, and for Kelly Clarkson, her split from ex-husband Brandon Blackstock was no exception. The couple, who married in 2013, ended their relationship in 2021 after nearly seven years of marriage. Since then, Clarkson has been involved in a lengthy legal dispute, which has finally led to a positive outcome for her, particularly in regards to a financial settlement.
Overcharged Commissions and a Court Ruling
During their marriage, Blackstock managed Clarkson’s career, which included charging her commissions. It has now come to light that he took significantly more than he should have. A California labor commissioner concluded that Blackstock had overcharged Clarkson for his managerial services. The court has now instructed him to return a substantial amount of money—approximately $2.6 million—to the Grammy-winning artist.
Blackstock’s Fight Against the Ruling
However, this legal victory isn’t the end of the story. Blackstock has expressed his intention to challenge the court’s decision. The labor commissioner’s findings revealed that Blackstock engaged in questionable practices while arranging work for Clarkson, such as deals with “The Voice,” Norwegian Cruise Lines, Wayfair, and the Billboard Music Awards. The commissioner clarified that only talent agents—not managers—are legally allowed to arrange such jobs. While exceptions exist, this particular case did not qualify, leading to the court’s decision that Blackstock owes Clarkson a significant sum for his overcharging.
The Financial Breakdown
According to the court’s ruling, Blackstock now owes Clarkson various amounts related to her work on specific projects. These include $1,983,155.70 for her time on “The Voice,” $208,125 for her work with Norwegian Cruise Lines, $450,000 for the Wayfair deal, and $93.30 for hosting the Billboard Music Awards. However, the court did rule in Blackstock’s favor regarding Clarkson’s contributions to “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” meaning she will not receive compensation for that aspect.
Moving On and Looking Ahead
After filing for divorce in 2020, Clarkson faced not only a bitter legal battle but also custody disputes over their two children, River Rose and Remington “Remy” Alexander, and disagreements about the ownership of their Montana ranch. The divorce was eventually settled in 2022. Since then, Clarkson has focused on rebuilding her life, including releasing a new album titled Chemistry, which was inspired by her experiences during the breakup. She’s also candidly shared that she is content with being single at the moment. With her busy personal life, including raising two children and taking care of several pets, she’s in no rush to start dating. Clarkson’s resilience in the face of adversity is commendable, and we wish her the best in her future endeavors.
