Kelly Clarkson Hits Pause on Las Vegas Residency to Support Kids Amid Ex-Husband’s Health Crisis

 Kelly Clarkson Hits Pause on Las Vegas Residency to Support Kids Amid Ex-Husband’s Health Crisis

A Tough Call for a Devoted Mom

Life has a way of throwing curveballs, and Kelly Clarkson just caught a big one. The American Idol alum and powerhouse vocalist announced on August 6, 2025, that she’s postponing the remaining August dates of her Kelly Clarkson: Studio Sessions residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. The reason? A family emergency involving her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, who’s been battling an undisclosed illness. As a mom to their two kids, River Rose, 11, and Remington “Remy” Alexander, 9, Kelly’s putting family first, and honestly, who can blame her? It’s the kind of decision that reminds you even superstars are human.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Kelly shared, “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.” She apologized to fans, adding, “I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows and I so appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding.” That raw honesty hit me hard—reminds me of the time I had to ditch a big work deadline to be there for my sister during a rough patch. Family’s family, you know?

A Residency Marred by Setbacks

This isn’t the first hiccup for Kelly’s Las Vegas residency, which kicked off on July 11, 2025, after a last-minute delay. Originally set to launch on July 4, the Studio Sessions shows were pushed back when Kelly’s voice took a beating from intense rehearsals. “The prep and rehearsals have taken a toll on my voice,” she explained in a July post, promising fans an “intimate and extraordinary experience” once she was back in fighting shape. True to her word, she hit the stage a week later, even bringing daughter River onstage for a heart-melting duet of “Heartbeat Song.” I can just picture the crowd losing it—nothing tugs at the heartstrings like a mom and kid sharing the spotlight.

But now, with Blackstock’s health crisis, the remaining August shows—scheduled for August 8, 9, 15, and 16—are off the table, rescheduled for July and August 2026, per Ticketmaster listings. It’s a bummer for fans who snagged tickets, but Kelly’s gratitude for their support shines through. She’s always been the type to wear her heart on her sleeve, whether belting out “Since U Been Gone” or navigating life’s messier moments.

A Complicated History

Kelly and Brandon’s story isn’t exactly a fairy tale. Married in 2013 after meeting at the Academy of Country Music Awards in 2006, they split in June 2020, with their divorce finalized in March 2022 after a contentious battle. Kelly walked away with primary custody of River and Remy, plus their Montana ranch and a few fancy cars, but not without shelling out hefty child and spousal support payments. Oh, and let’s not forget the 2023 lawsuit where she successfully argued Blackstock and his family’s Starstruck Entertainment violated labor laws, winning back over $2.6 million in commissions. Talk about a plot twist worthy of a soap opera.

Despite the drama, Kelly’s stayed committed to co-parenting, even if it’s not always smooth sailing. On Kylie Kelce’s Not Gonna Lie podcast in March 2024, she hinted at the double standards she faces as a working mom, noting how her kids seem to give Blackstock more slack for his busy schedule. “There’s a lot that I keep in,” she quipped, and you can almost hear the eye-roll. I’ve got friends who’ve navigated similar co-parenting mazes, and let me tell you, it’s like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle.

A Year of Challenges

This year’s been a rollercoaster for Kelly. Beyond the residency hiccups, she missed nearly two weeks of The Kelly Clarkson Show tapings in March and April, with guest hosts like Simu Liu and Willie Geist stepping in. Sources say she was by Blackstock’s side during that time, keeping things hush-hush out of respect for him and their kids. “Kelly is very valued by [NBC],” an insider told OK! Magazine, noting the network’s full support for her family-first approach. It’s refreshing to see a star like Kelly, who could easily coast on fame, prioritize her kids over the spotlight.

Her 2023 album Chemistry was a raw reflection of her divorce, with tracks like “Mine” and “Me” laying bare the pain and growth that came with it. In a January 2024 PEOPLE interview, she called the divorce “extraordinarily hard,” crediting music as her outlet. I remember blasting “Because of You” as a teen, feeling every word of her heartbreak. Now, seeing her channel that same vulnerability into supporting her kids? It’s like watching her live out her lyrics.

The Road Ahead

The entertainment world keeps spinning, with X buzzing about everything from PBB winners to KAI’s KAION tour. But Kelly’s news cuts through the noise, a reminder that even the biggest stars face real-life struggles. Fans on X have been pouring out support, with posts calling her a “class act” for her openness and strength. There’s no word yet on how Blackstock’s illness might affect Kelly’s return to The Voice for Season 29, where she’s set to coach alongside Adam Levine and John Legend. And with her recent deal selling a stake in her music catalog to HarbourView Equity Partners, she’s still making power moves in the industry.

For now, Kelly’s focused on River and Remy, proving she’s not just a Grammy-winning singer but a mom who’d move mountains for her kids. So, here’s to hoping for brighter days for her family—and to fans holding those 2026 tickets, hang tight. Kelly Clarkson always delivers, on stage and off.

Sources: Fox News, PEOPLE, Instagram posts from Kelly Clarkson, X posts from fans