In the film industry, it is obvious for fans to notice the stars in front of the camera, but the people behind the camera play an equally important role. They are important in shaping careers, managing empires, and even influencing public images. One such person, who gained attention because of his personal life is Brandon Blackstock.
Brandon Blackstock made headlines in 2020, not because of any professional reason, but for his relationship with popular singer, Kelly Clarkson. However, he is much more than just Kelly’s ex-husband. Read on to know everything about Brandon Blackstock.
Brandon Blackstock’s early life and career
Brandon Blackstock was born on December 16, 1976, in Fort Worth, Texas. He is the son of the music manager, Narvel Blackstock and Elisa Gayle Ritter. After his parents divorced, Narvel married the music star, Reba McEntire. He has two sisters, Shawna Rene and Chassidy Celeste and one half-brother, Shelby Blackstock. Brondon studied from the University of Michigan.
His father, Narvel Blackstock founded the entertainment company, Starstruck Entertainment, where Brandon Blackstock had started his career. Slowly and gradually, Brandon went to manage hit artists like Rascal Flatts, Blake Shelton, and Carly Pearce. Later, he even managed the gorgeous singer, Kelly Clarkson.
Brandon Blackstock’s first marriage
Before getting media attention because of his relationship with Kelly, Brandon was married to former actress, Melissa Ashworth, from 2001 to 2012. The ex-couple had successfully kept their marriage away from media attention. Their marriage marked a stable chapter in Brandon’s early adult life. During their marriage, the ex-couple had welcomed two children- daughter, Savannah, born in 2002, and son, Seth, born in 2006. However, after spending a long time together, the duo quietly decided to part ways.
Brandon Blackstock’s marriage with Kelly Clarkson
Brandon Blackstock first met Kelly Clarkson in 2006, at the rehearsals of Academy of Country Music Awards. At that time, Brandon was still married to his first wife, so nothing developed between him and Kelly. Later, they crossed paths again in 2012, when Brandon was single. The duo connected instantly when they met again and started dating. By December 2012, the ex-couple was engaged. In 2013, Brandon tied the knot with Kelly Clarkson in Walland, Tennessee. They welcomed two children- daughter, River Rose and son, Remington Alexander. During their marriage, Brandon used to manage Kelly.
Brandon Blackstock’s public divorce with Kelly Clarkson
Brandon and Kelly’s union initially seemed like the perfect love story, but it soon took a dramatic turn, when Kelly filed for a divorce in 2020. Their divorce news made headlines in no time, which was then followed by a messy legal battle. The two faced a lot of serious allegations by each other. One of them was when Brandon mentioned that his wife, Kelly was not ‘sexy’ enough to be a coach on the show, The Voice.
Another major issue was when it was discovered that Brandon had overstepped legal boundaries as Kelly’s manager, which caused him to pay a hefty amount to her. After facing the court in issues like property disputes, custody battle and more, the ex-couple was granted a divorce in 2022. Considering the children, the court had ordered that Kelly will have the primary custody of both her children, while Brandon will have visitation rights.
Where is Brandon Blackstock after his divorce?
After his long and messy divorce battle with Kelly Clarkson, Brandon mostly stayed away from media attention. He continues to co-parent his children and still manages celebrities. As of August 2025, reportedly Brandon Blackstock has been dealing with a serious illness. Even though, he has kept details private, his ex-wife, Kelly Clarkson shared a statement, in which she explained that she canceled her upcoming shows, so that she could be present for her children during this difficult time. She had said:
“While I normally keep my personal life private, this past year, my children’s father has been ill, and at this moment, I need to be fully present for them.”
Brandon Blackstock, like his father, spent most of his life working in the music industry. Even though, Brandon gained public attention because of his divorce with Kelly Clarkson, Brandon is a well-known manager for artists. What are your views on it? Let us know.
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