Kelly Clarkson Clarifies Reason Behind Decision To Change Her Name To 'Kelly Brianne' : It's 'For My Personal Life'

Kelly Clarkson filed to legally change her name to 'Kelly Brianne' following her recent divorce from her husband, Brandon Blackstock. The move, which ushered her into a new phase of singlehood, caught fans off guard, with many believing she was ditching the more well-known Clarkson in favor of Brianne.

On her marriage official documents, the singer, who was known as Kelly Blackstock, was married to Brandon Blackstock, a tv personality and professional pilot, for nearly seven years before filing for divorce due to irreconcilable differences.

The 39-year-old has finally spoken out about the name change, assuaging fans' fears that she was done with the "Kelly Clarkson" moniker.

In court filings filed in February, the "Stronger" singer had requested that her name be changed to Kelly Brianne (Brianne is her middle name). However, Kelly recently admitted that she is still known as "Kelly Clarkson" in her professional life.

"I just got divorced, so I had to drop my married last name," Kelly explained at the L.A. premiere of her and Snoop Dogg's new reality series, "American Song Contest" while speaking to People. "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!"

Reports stated that Clarkson wanted to go by her first and middle names as the new name more truly portrays who she is. However, in line with her recent comments, it is unsure if the singer will follow through with the petition slated for March 28.

Shortly after Blackstock and Clarkson married in October 2013 and announced Clarkson's pregnancy, accusations surfaced that Blackstock was pursuing extramarital encounters without regard for his marriage vows.

The rumors were so heavy at the time, prompting Kelly to turn to Twitter to respond to them, asking people to mind their own business and stay out of hers. "Keep hearing random rumors of me & Brandon splitting, or that's he's cheating on me. Stop with all the lying, please #aintnobodygottimeforthat," she tweeted in 2013.

Last year, during her monologue on "The Kelly Clarkson Show," Kelly gave no clue as to why she and Brandon chose to separate ways. Although people still opined that Brandon cheated on her, the singer intends to keep the specifics close to her to protect their children, making it unlikely for fans to confirm if the infidelity rumors were true.

In June 2020, the American Idol winner filed for divorce from Brandon, her former manager and father of her two children, River and Remington. The exes' possessions, notably their Montana ranch, became the subject of a heated feud that having had quite a high appraisal from real estate agents.

Kelly finally agreed to give Brandon a 5.12 percent ownership stake in the property, worth $908,800. She was also ordered to pay $45,600 in child support and $115,000 in spousal support each month.

Kelly, who allegedly earns over $20 million per year, comes out on top in the divorce settlement. The divorce resolution includes her children's primary custody, apart from a few weekends in each month and the right as the ranch's principal owner.

Kelly seems more focused on her profession than dating now that her divorce is over. While reports state that the singer's pals have "encouraged Kelly to test the waters and attempt the dating scene again, an insider revealed that the singer prefers to take things slowly.

"Kelly has given this a lot of thought, but she's the type of person who gives a lot of love, and she knows that she deserves someone who will treat her like the incredible woman that she is," the insider said as per Hollywood Life.

By this, one can assume that Clarkson is pouring all her efforts into her eponymously named show, which further alludes to her transition from music to tv hosting.