In a heartwarming display of resilience, Kelly Clarkson has returned to filming Season 29 of The Voice, titled “Battle of Champions,” just weeks after taking a brief hiatus to mourn the loss of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, who passed away on August 7, 2025, at age 48 after a three-year battle with melanoma. The Grammy-winning singer and beloved talk show host, known for her infectious positivity and powerhouse vocals, stepped back into her iconic red chair alongside coaches Adam Levine and John Legend, bringing her signature warmth to the set. What captured fans’ attention most, however, was Clarkson’s radiant smile—a beacon of strength that left viewers in awe and sparked a wave of admiration across social media. Here’s the full story of Clarkson’s emotional journey, her return to The Voice, and the moment that reminded fans why she remains an enduring icon.
A Time of Grief and Healing
Kelly Clarkson’s life has been a whirlwind of professional triumphs and personal challenges, but the loss of Brandon Blackstock, the father of her two children, River Rose, 11, and Remington, 9, marked a particularly difficult chapter. The couple, who married in 2013 and divorced in 2022 after a highly publicized split, shared a complex history. Blackstock, a talent manager who once represented Clarkson and artists like Blake Shelton, had been battling cancer since 2022, a struggle Clarkson kept private until shortly before his passing. On August 6, she announced the postponement of her Las Vegas residency, “Kelly Clarkson: Studio Sessions,” citing the need to be “fully present” for her children during Blackstock’s illness.
When news of Blackstock’s death broke, Clarkson took a step back from her professional commitments, including missing a single taping of The Voice Season 29’s battle round rehearsals. Fellow American Idol alum Jennifer Hudson stepped in to fill her spot, a gesture that underscored the tight-knit community of the show. Clarkson’s absence was brief but deeply felt, as fans and colleagues rallied around her, offering support during a time of profound loss. Blackstock’s passing also affected The Voice Season 28 coach Reba McEntire, his former stepmother, who considered him a son and took time to grieve alongside Clarkson.
Despite the emotional weight, Clarkson’s return to The Voice on August 19, 2025, was a testament to her strength and dedication. Sources close to the singer noted that she prioritized her children’s well-being, helping them navigate their grief while preparing for the new school year in New York City, where she resides and films The Kelly Clarkson Show. Her ability to balance motherhood with her demanding career, even in the face of personal tragedy, has only deepened fans’ admiration for the star.
A Smile That Lit Up the Set
When Clarkson stepped back onto the The Voice set, she brought with her an energy that was both familiar and inspiring. Dressed in a vibrant emerald-green blazer and jeans, she greeted her fellow coaches with hugs and her trademark humor, cracking jokes about Adam Levine’s new hairstyle and John Legend’s knack for stealing contestants. But it was her smile—wide, genuine, and radiating resilience—that stole the show. Fans watching behind-the-scenes clips shared by NBC were quick to notice the light in Clarkson’s eyes, with one X post reading, “Kelly Clarkson’s smile after everything she’s been through? That’s strength. She’s a queen.” Another fan wrote, “Seeing Kelly smile on The Voice set makes me believe in healing. She’s unstoppable.”
The moment resonated deeply because it reflected Clarkson’s ability to find joy amid sorrow. Known for her emotional transparency, she has often spoken about using music as an outlet for processing grief, a theme that colored her 2023 album Chemistry, inspired by her divorce from Blackstock. On set, she channeled that same authenticity, offering heartfelt advice to contestants and sharing stories about her children’s love for music, which brought a sense of warmth to the high-stakes “Battle of Champions” format. The revamped Season 29, set to air in spring 2026, features returning winners and new rules, and Clarkson’s presence as a coach is expected to be a highlight, with her emotional intelligence and vocal expertise guiding a new crop of talent.
The Voice Family’s Support
Clarkson’s return was met with overwhelming support from the The Voice family. Host Carson Daly, who has known Clarkson since her American Idol days, spoke candidly about the impact of Blackstock’s death on the set, describing the crew as a “family” that leaned on each other for support. “We all knew Brandon well, and it’s been tough,” Daly said, emphasizing the show’s commitment to giving Clarkson and McEntire the space they needed to grieve. Producers accommodated Clarkson’s brief absence by bringing in Hudson, whose seamless transition ensured the show stayed on track while allowing Clarkson time to heal.
McEntire, who was married to Blackstock’s father, Narvel, from 1989 to 2015, also resumed filming for Season 28, which premieres in September 2025 with coaches Michael Bublé, Niall Horan, and Snoop Dogg. Her decision to continue, despite her own grief, mirrored Clarkson’s resilience, and the two women’s strength became a talking point among fans. Social media posts praised their professionalism, with one user writing, “Kelly and Reba going back to The Voice after losing Brandon shows what strong women they are. Sending them so much love.”
Clarkson’s return also coincided with the airing of her new NBC limited series, Songs & Stories with Kelly Clarkson, on August 19, 2025. The pre-taped special, featuring interviews and performances with artists like the Jonas Brothers and Gloria Estefan, showcased Clarkson’s ability to connect through music, even in the wake of personal loss. Fans noted her poise during the episode, with her smile again taking center stage as she shared anecdotes about her career and her children’s growing interest in songwriting.
A Complex History with Blackstock
Clarkson and Blackstock’s relationship was a significant part of her life for nearly a decade. They met in 2006 at a rehearsal for the Academy of Country Music Awards, but their romance didn’t begin until 2012, when they reconnected at the Super Bowl. Their 2013 wedding in Tennessee was a fairytale moment, and the birth of River and Remington solidified their bond. Blackstock, who managed Clarkson’s career from 2017 to 2020, played a key role in her rise as a The Voice coach and talk show host. However, their 2020 divorce, finalized in 2022, was fraught with challenges, including disputes over their Montana ranch and a $2.6 million settlement over management fees Blackstock earned improperly.
Despite their rocky split, Clarkson remained protective of Blackstock for the sake of their children, a commitment that became even more evident during his illness. Sources say she was “devastated” for River and Remington, prioritizing their emotional well-being above all else. Her decision to postpone her Las Vegas residency and a Texas benefit concert underscored her focus on family, a value she’s often highlighted in interviews. “My kids are my entire world,” she said on Angie Martinez’s IRL podcast in 2023, emphasizing her efforts to ensure River and Remington felt loved and supported post-divorce.
Fans and the Future
Clarkson’s radiant smile upon returning to The Voice sparked a wave of support from fans, who flooded social media with messages of encouragement. Posts on X celebrated her resilience, with one fan writing, “Kelly Clarkson’s smile is proof you can come through the darkest times and still shine.” Others connected her strength to her music, noting that songs like “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” and “Piece by Piece” reflect her ability to rise above adversity. The hashtag #KellyStrong trended briefly, with fans sharing clips of her The Voice moments and Kellyoke performances from her talk show.
As Clarkson moves forward, her professional slate remains packed. The Kelly Clarkson Show is set to return for its seventh season in September 2025, with tapings beginning shortly after her The Voice commitments. Her Las Vegas residency will resume in November, and she’s rumored to be working on new music inspired by her recent experiences. The engagement of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, which Clarkson celebrated with her viral “Super Bowl of marriage” quip, also remains a bright spot, with Clarkson hinting at a possible Kellyoke cover of Swift’s upcoming album, The Life of a Showgirl, as a nod to their friendship.
Clarkson’s return to The Voice is more than a professional milestone; it’s a symbol of her unwavering spirit. Her smile, which left fans in awe, speaks to a woman who has faced heartbreak, loss, and public scrutiny yet continues to inspire through her authenticity and talent. As she guides contestants through Season 29 and navigates her own healing journey, Clarkson proves that even in the face of grief, joy can still find a way to shine through.
