Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, has found himself in the midst of a legal dispute with the pop star over alleged overcharging while serving as her manager. According to court documents obtained by TMZ, a California labor commissioner has ruled that Blackstock “unlawfully” booked jobs for Clarkson during his time as her manager, a role typically reserved for agents. This ruling comes with claims that Blackstock collected fees amounting to $2,641,374 for booking various gigs, including her role as a judge on “The Voice,” as well as endorsements with companies like Wayfair and Norwegian Cruise Line.
In a surprising turn of events, the labor commissioner has ordered Blackstock to return the commissions he earned to his ex-wife, which includes the substantial sum of $1.98 million for her stint on “The Voice.” However, it’s worth noting that Blackstock has expressed his intention to appeal the decision, indicating that this legal battle may continue in the near future.
The case brings to light the complexities of managing a high-profile celebrity career, especially in the entertainment industry. Clarkson, known for her powerful vocals and successful music career, also ventured into television as a coach on “The Voice” and later as the host of “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” These roles, along with various endorsements, required effective management and negotiation, leading to the dispute over commissions.
Clarkson and Blackstock’s professional relationship also intertwines with their personal history. The former couple, who initially met in 2006, tied the knot and were married for nearly seven years before their relationship took a turn, leading to their divorce in June 2020. Their divorce was officially finalized in 2022. This legal battle over commissions adds another layer of complexity to their post-divorce relationship, which already involves significant financial obligations.
In addition to the financial aspects of their divorce, Clarkson must pay $45,000 per month in child support for their two children, River Rose and Remington Alexander. Blackstock, on the other hand, is entitled to receive $115,000 per month in spousal support until January 2024. These financial arrangements highlight the intricate and often contentious nature of divorce settlements involving substantial assets and income.
Kelly Clarkson’s departure from “The Voice” after nine seasons has also been a topic of discussion. The singer and talk show host shared her reasons for leaving the show, citing the challenges of balancing her duties on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” with her commitments to “The Voice.” She mentioned that her personal life struggles had impacted her performance during the earlier seasons of her talk show and that the decision to step away from “The Voice” was necessary for her well-being.
Clarkson’s journey, both professionally and personally, has been marked by ups and downs, but she remains resilient and committed to her career and her role as a mother to her two children. Her fresh start in New York City for the fifth season of “The Kelly Clarkson Show” signifies a new chapter in her life, where she can focus on her work with renewed enthusiasm.
In conclusion, the legal dispute between Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock sheds light on the complexities of managing a celebrity career and the challenges that can arise when personal and professional relationships intersect. While the labor commissioner has ruled in Clarkson’s favor for now, the ongoing legal battle underscores the importance of clear contractual agreements and ethical conduct in the entertainment industry. As Clarkson embarks on her new season of “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” she does so with a sense of renewal and optimism for what the future holds.
