Kelly Clarkson pauses Vegas residency to be 'fully present' for children amid ex-husband's health crisis
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: Kelly Clarkson has once again pulled the plug on her Las Vegas residency, but this time, she’s offering fans a glimpse into the deeply personal reason behind the decision.
In a heartfelt post shared on Instagram on Wednesday, August 6, the Grammy-winning artist revealed that her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, is facing a serious health issue, prompting her to be more present for their two young children.
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Kelly Clarkson halts Las Vegas Residency for the second time
“Unfortunately, I need to postpone the remainder of the August Studio Session dates in Las Vegas,” Kelly Clarkson, 43, wrote. “This past year, my children’s father has been ill and at this moment, I need to be fully present for them.”
The 'Since U Been Gone' singer, who typically keeps her personal life under wraps, offered her “sincere apologies” to fans and thanked them for their kindness and understanding. She concluded, “I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows and I so appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding.”
Clarkson shares two children, River Rose, 10, and Remington, eight, with Blackstock, 48, who was not only her husband but also her longtime music manager.
The singer's latest cancellation affects the remainder of her August shows at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. This marks the second time the ‘Breakaway’ hitmaker has postponed dates since launching her residency in July.
The initial setback came on July 4, the day the residency was slated to begin, when Clarkson cited vocal strain caused by intense rehearsals.
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“We have been working 24/7 to make Studio Sessions the most intimate and extraordinary experience with and for my incredible fans,” she explained at the time, adding, “I am beyond grateful that you always show up for me and I am devastated to have to postpone tonight and tomorrow’s opening at Caesars. The prep and rehearsals have taken a toll on my voice.”
After returning to the stage on July 11, she opened her show with an emotional apology to fans who had traveled for the earlier, postponed concerts.
“I know some of y’all had tickets for last weekend’s shows. I’m so sorry. We can’t help our bodies sometimes,” she said during the performance, a clip of which was shared on TikTok.
Kelly Clarkson’s year marked by absences
Kelly Clarkson’s personal life has become increasingly entwined with her professional schedule in recent months. Earlier this year, she missed 10 episodes of her NBC daytime talk show, ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’, citing undisclosed personal matters.
Andy Cohen and other guest hosts stepped in during her absence.
Multiple sources have now linked those absences, as well as the turmoil around her Las Vegas performances, to Blackstock’s private health battle. One insider told NewsNation, “Her ex-husband is sick and she took the kids to see him.”
Clarkson and Blackstock finalized their divorce in 2022 after a prolonged legal fight that Clarkson later admitted had left her emotionally drained. Speaking candidly to Apple Music in 2023, she said, “Just to be brutally honest, I did not handle (the divorce) well.”
Her current Las Vegas residency, Kelly Clarkson: Studio Sessions, is scheduled to continue through November 15, although no new dates have been announced for the postponed shows.
