Who Is Kelly Clarkson Dating? Her Relationship Status

Quick Answer: Kelly Clarkson is not publicly dating anyone in 2026. She has not confirmed a new partner since her divorce from Brandon Blackstock.

Kelly Clarkson keeps her love life close to the vest. Kelly won the first season of American Idol in 2002. Since then, she has built a career as a singer, a Voice coach, and a talk show host.

Her marriage to Brandon Blackstock ended in 2022. He later died from melanoma on August 7, 2025, at age 48.

Since then, fans have had one big question. Who is Kelly Clarkson dating now? Her own words give the clearest answer.

Who Is Kelly Clarkson Dating?

As of August 2026, Kelly Clarkson is single. She has not confirmed a relationship since her divorce from Brandon Blackstock. At her Las Vegas residency in July 2026, she addressed the topic directly from the stage. She joked about being single and told the crowd that a lot of people make it look good.

Online rumors about her love life pop up often. None of them have been confirmed by Clarkson herself. A celebrity rumor is not the same as a confirmed fact.

Why Isn’t Kelly Clarkson Dating Right Now?

Source: People.com

Clarkson has given a few clear reasons for staying single.

Her Kids Come First

Her daughter River Rose and son Remington Alexander are her top priority. Her children have told her directly they do not want her dating anyone else. She has said openly that she respects that, even though she also needs love of her own.

A Hard Year Made Her Slow Down

Brandon Blackstock, her ex-husband, died in August 2025 after a private battle with cancer. In early 2026, Clarkson shared that her kids had been sleeping with her often. She described that time together as an important part of her day.

A Busy Career

She is stepping back from The Kelly Clarkson Show after its seventh season. She has said this will free up more time for her children. On top of that, her Las Vegas residency runs through August 15, 2026.

Has she ruled out dating forever?

No. She has said she is neither actively looking nor entirely closed off to meeting someone. She just wants it to happen naturally.

What Has Kelly Clarkson Said About Dating After Her Divorce?

Here is a timeline of her comments, straight from Clarkson herself.

September 2023

During an Instagram Live session, Clarkson told fans she did not have a boyfriend and was not looking for one. She added that she loves being single.

December 2023

On her talk show, she and guest Shannen Doherty discussed moving on after divorce. Clarkson said she was still in the stage of really enjoying herself and had work to do before another relationship.

January 2024

She told People she is “really good” at being single. She said any future partner would need to bring their own full life to the relationship.

November 2024

Speaking on KOST 103.5, she said her kids bring up her dating life often. They told her they did not want her with anyone else. She said she loves them but needs love of her own too.

May 2025

On Today with Jenna & Friends, she said she was not actively searching. She was not completely closed off either. Motherhood and work took most of her attention.

July 2026

During her Las Vegas residency at Caesars Palace, she gave her most direct update yet. She joked from the stage that a lot of people out there make being single look really good.

Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock’s Relationship

Source: Us Weekly

Their story ran from a country music rehearsal to a hard divorce, and later, a loss.

Kelly Clarkson met Brandon Blackstock in 2006 at a rehearsal for the Academy of Country Music Awards. Blackstock was a talent manager and the son of Clarkson’s own manager at the time, Narvel Blackstock. He was also managing Rascal Flatts, the group Clarkson performed with that night.

Blackstock was married to Melissa Ashworth at the time, so nothing came of the meeting right away. The two reconnected years later, around 2011 and 2012, after his divorce.

They got engaged in December 2012. Clarkson later said Blackstock proposed right after she thanked him for being “an awesome guy.” The two married on October 20, 2013. The wedding took place at Blackberry Farm in Tennessee.

The couple welcomed daughter River Rose in June 2014. Their son, Remington Alexander, arrived in April 2016. Blackstock also served as Clarkson’s manager throughout their marriage.

Clarkson filed for divorce in June 2020, citing irreconcilable differences. The split turned into a long legal process, partly tied to Blackstock’s role as her manager. Their divorce was finalized in March 2022.

On August 7, 2025, Blackstock’s family announced that he had died at age 48. He had battled cancer privately for more than three years. Clarkson had paused part of her Las Vegas residency that summer to be with her children.

Who Has Kelly Clarkson Dated Before?

Four names are most often associated with Clarkson’s publicly reported relationship history before and leading up to her marriage.

1. Justin Guarini (Early 2000s)

Clarkson and Justin Guarini competed together on the first season of American Idol in 2002. Fans long assumed they dated during the show. Clarkson later confirmed that they dated afterAmerican Idol, although she was uncertain about the exact timing around From Justin to Kelly in 2003. The relationship was brief.

2. Graham Colton (2005)

Clarkson dated singer Graham Colton starting in 2005. His band opened for her during her Breakaway tour. The relationship lasted several months but ended once touring schedules pulled them in different directions.

3. Ryan Key (2006)

In 2006, Clarkson was briefly linked to Ryan Key, the lead singer of Yellowcard. The two reportedly met through the music industry. Very little was ever shared publicly about their time together.

4. Brandon Blackstock (2012–2013)

Brandon Blackstock became Clarkson’s most significant publicly documented relationship, leading to their marriage in October 2013.

Where Kelly Clarkson Stands Right Now

As of August 2026, Clarkson has not announced or confirmed a new romantic partner. Her divorce from Blackstock closed one chapter. His death in 2025 added weight to the year that followed.

She has said she is glad to be single, at least for now. Her past relationships, from Justin Guarini to Blackstock, show someone who has mostly kept romance out of the spotlight.

Right now, her focus stays on her kids and her music.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does Kelly Clarkson live now?

She lives primarily in New York City, near Central Park, with her two children. She also has a Montana property she refers to as her forever home.

What is Kelly Clarkson diagnosed with?

Clarkson was diagnosed as prediabetic in January 2024. In 2018, she also disclosed an autoimmune disorder and a thyroid issue, both linked to diet changes.

Did Kelly Clarkson sing at Brandon’s funeral?

No credible reports confirm this. Reporting says Clarkson did not attend Blackstock’s private Montana memorial. Viral videos claiming otherwise are unverified social media clips.

Does Kelly Clarkson have a nanny?

Yes. Clarkson has spoken openly about her children’s nanny, once calling a Mother’s Day gift of free time from her “priceless.”