Kelly Clarkson Unveils Intimate Text Exchange With Ex-Husband About Her Thrilling New Album: The Untold Story

Brandon Blackstock and Kelly Clarkson. Matt Baron/Shutterstock

Kelly Clarkson briefly discussed her new album, Chemistry, with her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock, despite their ongoing divorce drama. On the Today show, the 41-year-old inaugural American Idol champion revealed that they had a text exchange about the album, expressing that it encompasses more than just their relationship's downfall. Clarkson emphasized that the album also captures the journey, the beauty, and the pain that everyone experiences.

Clarkson, 46, and Blackstock were married for nearly seven years before the "Stronger" singer filed for divorce in June 2020. Their divorce proceedings involved a contentious legal battle over the division of assets and custody of their two minor children, River Rose, 9, and Remington, 7. After two years of ongoing disputes, their separation was officially concluded in March 2022.

As the host of The Kelly Clarkson Show, Clarkson was granted primary custody of their children, while Blackstock, who has two older children from a previous marriage, was given monthly visitation rights. Additionally, Clarkson agreed to make a one-time payment of $1.3 million to her former spouse, as well as provide $115,000 per month in spousal support until January 2024.

In addition to Clarkson's legal issues with her ex, she has also been embroiled in a three-year legal battle with her former father-in-law, Narvel Blackstock. Brandon's father, along with his talent agency, Starstruck Management Group, filed a lawsuit against Clarkson for breach of contract and unpaid commissions. The talented singer, known for her hit song "Miss Independent," was represented by the group from 2007 to 2020.

Clarkson's former father-in-law alleges that she owes $1.4 million in unpaid commission for her contributions on The Voice and The Kelly Clarkson Show. In response, Clarkson has filed a countersuit, and their ongoing legal dispute is expected to reach a resolution in the coming weeks.

During her tumultuous breakup, Clarkson put on a brave face in the public eye, but privately, she admits to struggling immensely.

In an interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1, Clarkson candidly confessed, "To be completely honest, I didn't handle it well. There were moments when I couldn't even find the words to express my emotions, and I sought solace in the company of my closest friends. I was overcome with intense sadness, even before the separation took place. It was during this time that I became aware of certain unhealthy habits or patterns that had gone unnoticed before. Looking back, it's much clearer now."

Clarkson poured her heartbreak into her 10th studio album, released on June 23. She wanted to avoid the perception that the album solely focused on anger or sadness. Instead, she aimed to capture the entire arc of a relationship, acknowledging the good, the bad, and the ugly. She explained on Instagram in March 2023 that chemistry can be both amazing and destructive, which is why she chose to title the album "Chemistry."