Kelly Clarkson subtly shades ex-husband Brandon Blackstock with Christmas stocking in new video
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Kelly Clarkson is adding a cheeky twist to the holiday season with the release of her visual album titled 'When Christmas Comes Around … Again'.
In a video released on Wednesday, December 18, Clarkson playfully threw shade at her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock, subtly weaving her personal journey into the festive narrative.
Kelly Clarkson shades ex-husband Brandon Blackstock in music video
The background image for the album showed four stockings hung over a cozy fireplace: one for “Mom” (Clarkson herself), two for her children, River, 10, and Remy, 8, and a final one that bluntly reads, “Nope.”
Fans couldn’t help but notice that the “Nope” stocking occupied the spot that might logically belong to Blackstock as it is usually for the dad, US Weekly reported.
The couple’s turbulent split in 2020 after seven years of marriage sparked years of legal battles over custody, assets, and spousal support.
But Clarkson, now 42, seems to be taking the high road — albeit with a touch of humor.
Kelly Clarkson's not looking for a ‘you’ for Christmas
Kelly Clarkson’s holiday cheer doesn’t come with a side of romance. Speaking about the album, she said, “I’m not looking for it. I’m not looking for a ‘you’ for Christmas, but I think the hope of that is really beautiful and magical, and imagination station is a wonderful thing.”
And while she’s open to the idea of dating someday, the 'Since U Been Gone' singer has ruled out marriage altogether.
In a candid interview with People in January, she said, “[Blackstock] had children, a religious background, and it was important, I think, for him. But I’ve never been that person.”
She continued, “Dating sucks. It’s so awkward. I was single until I was, like, 30, and I forgot how really good at that I am. I told a friend [that my future partner] would have to be an individual that brings their own life to the table without needing anything from me."
"It’s far more romantic to say, ‘I want you, but I don’t need anything. I’m really good right now, I’m having a good time," Clarkson added.
Kelly Clarkson says music is 'a blessing'
Kelly Clarkson has been refreshingly open about how her divorce impacted her mental health, describing her 2023 studio album 'Chemistry' as a lifeline.
“I cannot express how appreciative I feel for having that kind of healthy outlet,” she said.
“Because the level of depression and things that come with divorce or grieving is extraordinarily hard. You feel alone, and it’s just a blessing to be able to have that outlet for those emotions that are overwhelming,” she added.
With her new Christmas album, Clarkson blends vulnerability with resilience, showing that healing doesn’t have to be without humor.
And for those wondering if there’s any lingering bitterness, the stocking labeled “Nope” says it all — she’s moved on and is celebrating her holidays with laughter, love, and the people who truly matter.
