Kelly Clarkson tears up while singing 'Piece by Piece' days before ex-husband Brandon Blackstock’s death
Oh this new version of Piece by Piece by Kelly Clarkson is everything! pic.twitter.com/gGVASZJT4W
— Tracee (@TraceeM) July 13, 2025
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Kelly Clarkson became emotional with her audience just days before the death of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock.
The 43-year-old singer broke down several times during a July 26 Las Vegas performance as she introduced a newly reworked version of her song 'Piece by Piece,' making changes for the third time since its 2015 release.
Kelly Clarkson shares third rewrite of ‘Piece by Piece’ days before ex husband's death
During the show, recorded by TikTok user @modestishottest4u, Kelly Clarkson attempted to compose herself before beginning the song, telling herself, “Compartmentalization!” while wiping away tears.
She explained that after altering the track’s lyrics in 2023 following her 2020 divorce, she updated them again to reflect her current outlook. “I’ve never rewritten a song more and I probably never will,” she said.
“I wrote this song with a lot of hope and projection for happiness and better than what was happening. And then, well, life set in and I had to change the lyrics. Everybody was like, ‘Wait, why aren’t you singing this song?’ And I was like, ‘Have you heard the lyrics?’ That’s fun. Embarrassing,” Clarkson told the crowd.
Kelly Clarkson says new version reflects ‘grown up’ perspective
The original track, written about her father and praising Brandon Blackstock as a better partner and father, was released in 2015, two years after their marriage. “I ended up changing the lyrics. We did it one time, I did a residency here, and then I was like, ‘You know what, that sounded a little angry,’” Kelly Clarkson shared.
“So I just wanted to explain how it feels now. I’m 43. I’ve done some therapy, and I changed the lyrics now and I think it’s perfect. I promise. I’m not gonna change it again," she said.
Clarkson said the updated version represents her growth, adding, “I’m really trying to pull it together,” before starting the song with, “Screw it, let’s just sing it. This is ‘Piece by Piece.’”
Her 2023 revision included, “I just walk away, when they ask for money. I take care of me ‘cause I love me. Piece by piece I restored my faith that a heart can still beat even when it breaks,” seemingly referencing Blackstock’s financial requests during their divorce.
The latest update now reads, “I’m learning everyday how to love me. I let go of the shame that you taught me. Piece by piece I restored the faith that a heart can still beat even if it breaks.”
Fans react to Kelly Clarkson's emotional video after Brandon Blackstock’s death at 48
After Brandon Blackstock, 48, died of cancer on August 7, fans reacted online to the resurfaced July 26 video.
“She did this knowing Brandon’s time was coming to an end and her kid’s hearts were going to break and she would be there for them to carry them through. She’s an amazing person,” one wrote on TikTok.
“This hits definitely now knowing why she rewrote it for the 3rd time. She truly did put her kids first. She’s literally breaking down on stage because she knows what was coming 💔,” another commented.
“I truly hope she records and releases this version… it’s perfect,” a fan posted.
Another wrote, “This had to be a painful … as she is telling her story and trying to maintain composure, she knew her babies’ daddy was dying.”
One more added, “Falling apart and still sings flawlessly! Amazing!! The most raw person in the industry. Love her!”
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