Kelly Clarkson returns to stage after emotional hiatus

After taking a brief break from performing to grieve the loss of her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock, singer Kelly Clarkson has triumphantly returned to the stage. The 43-year-old resumed her Studio Sessions residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, on Friday night, marking her first live show since the tragedy.

A Joyful Comeback

Despite the somber reason behind her hiatus, Clarkson appeared cheerful and full of energy as she entertained her fans. She interacted warmly with the audience, sharing light-hearted moments that showcased her signature humor and authenticity.

During the concert, the Since U Been Gone hitmaker made the evening memorable for two couples in the crowd. One couple had flown in from London, and Clarkson playfully encouraged a proposal onstage. When the boyfriend hesitated, she teasingly exclaimed, “Say, ‘yes,’ bitch!”, sparking laughter and applause from the audience.

Later, she turned her attention to another couple celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary, exclaiming, “You made it a decade? F**k yeah, look at that!” Clarkson even joked about officiating a vow renewal, saying, “Do you both promise to keep dancing through life together? For another 50 or 60 years? Aim high!”

Postponed Shows and Personal Struggles

Clarkson’s current series of performances was originally scheduled for August 2025, but was postponed after her former husband, Brandon Blackstock, was diagnosed with cancer. Blackstock passed away on August 7, leading Clarkson to step back from her professional commitments to support their two children.

A day before his passing, the singer issued a heartfelt statement, saying:

“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 also apologized to fans for the postponement, assuring them that she would return once ready.

Their Relationship and Family

Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock were married from 2013 to 2022. Besides being her husband, Blackstock also managed Clarkson’s career for several years. The couple shares two children, and although their marriage ended three years ago, they reportedly maintained a co-parenting relationship for the sake of their kids.

While Clarkson has not spoken publicly about how Blackstock’s death has personally affected her, sources close to her indicate that she took the time off to heal privately. The loss also led to her missing several episodes of The Kelly Clarkson Show earlier this year.

Clarkson’s return to the Las Vegas stage marks more than just a musical comeback—it symbolizes her resilience and dedication to her fans. Known for her powerful voice and candid personality, she transformed her grief into gratitude, channeling her emotions into heartfelt performances.

Her Studio Sessions residency, which has already garnered widespread acclaim, will continue with three more shows this month. Fans have praised her for balancing vulnerability with vibrancy, making her shows feel both intimate and uplifting.