Kelly Clarkson fans, get ready for some exciting news! The beloved American Idol winner and talk show host has made a significant announcement. Kelly Clarkson, as we know her, is no more. She has officially embraced her legal name, Kelly Brianne. Brianne will now be her new official last name, replacing Clarkson, which has become synonymous with her famous brand.
But don’t worry, her popular talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, will retain its name. And if you’re tuning into the American Song Contest, where she is currently co-hosting alongside Snoop Dogg, she will still be credited as Kelly Clarkson. So, you’ll still get to enjoy her incredible talent and warm presence on screen.
In an interview with PEOPLE magazine, Kelly Brianne shared that she decided to drop her married name, Blackstock, following her divorce from her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock. She explained, “I had to drop my married last name. I just kept my middle name for my personal life.” Personal life aside, she emphasized that she will continue to go by Kelly Clarkson for her professional appearances, saying, “I don’t think I can change Clarkson at this point. I’m twenty years in.”
The name change was officially granted by a California judge on March 28, 2022. Court documents state, “There being no objections, the petition for change of name is granted. The Decree is signed and filed. The Petitioner’s name is changed from KELLY BRIANNE CLARKSON to KELLY BRIANNE.”
Kelly Clarkson took the step of changing her name to Kelly Brianne in February 2022, just before finalizing her divorce with Brandon Blackstock. When asked about her choice of the new name, she expressed, “I had a ‘desire’ to go by my first name and middle name only. I felt that the new name combination ‘more fully reflects who I am.’”
Before the name change was official, Kelly made sure to assure her fans that it would not impact her professional career. On an episode of People (the TV Show!), she clarified, “I just got divorced, so I had to drop my married last name. I just kept my middle name for my personal life. I’m still Kelly Clarkson. I don’t think I can change Clarkson at this point. I’m 20 years in!”
It’s clear that this change symbolizes a personal growth for Kelly Brianne. Despite the ups and downs in her life, which she openly shared with her fans, she continues to thrive and evolve. Let’s support Kelly as she embraces this new chapter and keep enjoying her incredible talent, whether she goes by Kelly Clarkson or Kelly Brianne.
So, what do you think about Kelly Clarkson’s new name, Kelly Brianne? Will you change how you refer to the singer?
