It was supposed to be another powerhouse Kelly Clarkson moment — but instead, it became one of the most emotional confessions of her career.
Kelly Clarkson, 43, stunned fans this week when she admitted she regrets throwing shade at her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock during a fiery live performance earlier this year. Fighting back tears in a backstage interview, the Grammy-winning singer opened up about the raw feelings behind the headline-making moment, saying softly, “I wish our relationship had been better.”
A Performance That Sparked Headlines
The incident in question took place during a sold-out show in Los Angeles, where Clarkson delivered a blistering rendition of one of her heartbreak anthems. Midway through the performance, she appeared to tweak the lyrics, slipping in pointed lines that many interpreted as a dig at Blackstock, her former manager and ex-husband of seven years.
Audience members erupted in cheers, with some standing to applaud the boldness of the moment. Clips went viral within hours, racking up millions of views on TikTok and Twitter, with fans praising her for “speaking her truth” in real time. But not everyone saw it as empowering — some felt the public shade crossed a line, especially given the couple’s history and their two young children, River Rose and Remington.
From Divorce to Lingering Tensions
Clarkson and Blackstock’s divorce was finalized in 2022 after a lengthy and contentious legal battle over custody and finances. Once considered one of Hollywood’s most grounded couples, their split became tabloid fodder, with disputes over property, spousal support, and even allegations of financial misconduct making headlines.
Since then, Clarkson has been open about channeling her heartbreak into her music — her 2023 album Chemistry was widely seen as a candid chronicle of her marriage’s collapse. But until now, she had never publicly admitted regret over any of her onstage jabs at her ex.
Clarkson’s Tearful Admission
Speaking after a recent taping of The Kelly Clarkson Show, the singer was visibly emotional when asked about the viral performance. “I’m human. I was hurt. In that moment, I thought I was being honest,” she said, her voice trembling. “But looking back, I wish our relationship had been better. I wish we could have ended things in a kinder place.”
Clarkson explained that while music remains her outlet, she’s learning to be more mindful of how her words — especially those delivered from the stage — might affect others. “It’s one thing to write a song in private,” she reflected. “It’s another to sing it in front of thousands of people, knowing the person it’s about might hear it.”
Fans React — Sympathy and Criticism
Social media lit up after her confession, with fans divided. Some applauded her vulnerability and growth, praising her for acknowledging that even strong women can have moments they’d handle differently. Others felt the regret came too late, pointing out that the shade had already been shared, dissected, and immortalized online.
“Kelly is one of the most authentic artists out there,” one fan tweeted. “Owning up to mistakes is just part of that authenticity.” Meanwhile, another wrote, “It’s nice she’s sorry, but words can’t be unsaid.”
Moving Forward
Today, Clarkson says her focus is on co-parenting with Blackstock and creating a healthier environment for their children. She continues to host her Emmy-winning daytime talk show and is preparing for her upcoming Las Vegas residency, where she promises to keep things “about the music, not the drama.”
“I’m still going to be real,” she said. “But real doesn’t have to be cruel. I’m learning that.”
Whether fans see her as a woman unafraid to speak her truth or one reckoning with the power of her platform, one thing is certain — Kelly Clarkson’s voice, both on and off stage, still commands attention.