After a recent court ruling, Kelly Clarkson has made a significant announcement for her fans. The American Idol winner and current talk show host will now be known as Kelly Brianne, opting to use her middle name as her official surname. The decision to drop “Clarkson,” which is closely linked to her well-known brand, reflects her desire to transition to a new identity.
Despite this personal change, Kelly Brianne will continue to host The Kelly Clarkson Show, which will retain its original name. She is also co-hosting the American Song Contest alongside Snoop Dogg, where she will still be credited as Kelly Clarkson.
In a past interview with PEOPLE magazine, Kelly Brianne shared that she chose to drop her married name, Blackstock, following her divorce from Brandon Blackstock. She explained, “I had to drop my married last name. I just kept my middle name for my personal life.”
However, she emphasized that professionally, she will remain known as Kelly Clarkson. She remarked, “I don’t think I can change Clarkson at this point. I’m twenty years in.”
Kelly Clarkson’s name change was officially granted by a California judge on March 28, 2022. The court documents noted, “There being no objections, the petition for change of name is granted. The Decree is signed and filed. The Petitioner’s name is changed from KELLY BRIANNE CLARKSON to KELLY BRIANNE.”
Clarkson began the process of changing her name in February 2022, shortly before finalizing her divorce. She chose to adopt her middle name, Kelly Brianne, because she felt it “more fully reflects who I am.”
Before the change became official, Clarkson reassured her fans that it would not impact her professional work. She mentioned on the March 21 episode of People (the TV Show!), “I just got divorced, so I had to drop my married last name. I just kept my middle name for my personal life. I’m still Kelly Clarkson. I don’t think I can change Clarkson at this point. I’m 20 years in!”
Clarkson and Blackstock’s marriage ended in June 2020 after approximately seven years. Reflecting on her personal struggles during that time, she admitted on the Today show, “My life has been a little bit of a dumpster. Personally, it’s been a little hard the last couple of months.”
What are your thoughts on Kelly Clarkson’s new name, Kelly Brianne? Will it change how you refer to the singer?
