Kelly Clarkson’s Song About Late Ex-Husband Has ‘American Idol’ Judges In Tears
Tragically, news has come out that Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, has recently passed away at the age of 48. Since then, fans have been looking back at Kelly and Brandon’s past together. In particular, a performance Kelly gave with a song about Brandon on American Idol, which famously brought the judges to tears, has recently resurfaced.
Kelly Clarkson’s Ex-Husband & Former Manager Brandon Blackstock Passed Away At The Age Of 48
Brandon Blackstock was married to American Idol alum and talk show host Kelly Clarkson from 2013 to 2022. In addition, he also served as a manager for Clarkson as well as for country music star Blake Shelton.
News had come out that Brandon passed away at the age of 48, following his battle with cancer. Prior to the news coming out, Kelly announced that she would be postponing a few of her Las Vegas residency shows due to a family emergency, citing health issues concerning her children’s father.
Since his passing, one moment concerning Brandon has recently resurfaced online. Back in 2016, Clarkson appeared on American Idol, the show that started her career.
During the appearance, Clarkson performed the song, “Piece By Piece.” As noted by Glamour, the song was partially inspired by a conversation Kelly had with her sister Alyssa. At the time, she noted a contrast between her strained relationship with her father with the support she felt in her marriage to Brandon. In some ways, the song is meant as a sequel to “Because of You.”
In 2015, Kelly shared, “I was talking to my sister on the phone about how sometimes girls with daddy issues don’t find men like that. You find men who are all you knew, and I just feel so lucky.”
Brandon Blackstock, Kelly Clarkson’s Ex-Husband and Talent Manager, Dies at 48 so sad!! pic.twitter.com/VB2OjrhGrM
— Ms. Smith (@MsSmith17743658) August 7, 2025
Fans Noted How Kelly Brought American Idol To Tears With The Song, Especially The Judges
As Kelly explained during her American Idol appearance, she wrote the song while she was pregnant with her daughter. Fittingly, she was pregnant with her son when she performed the song on the Idol stage.
Following Brandon’s passing, many commenters returned to watch the 2016 American Idol performance. Many fans noticed the judges, especially Keith Urban, appeared to be moved to tears by the moment.
As one fan wrote, the performance “was one of the rawest moments ever on the Idol stage.” Noting Brandon’s passing, they shared, “I love everything about this moment for its vulnerability, and simultaneously I hate how sad it was then and, no doubt, especially today.” Many fans took to the comments to share similar sentiments:
- “I remember sobbing through this performer and just wanting to give her a hug.”
- “I immediately went to this in my mind when I heard, but I just can’t watch it yet.”
- “Keith’s emotion broke me.”
- “Rest in peace, Brandon Blackstock.”
Have you been following this story? Did you see this moment on American Idol? Make sure you come back to TV Shows Ace for all the latest TV and celebrity news.
- ‘Swamp People’ Troy Landry & Pickle Send Love To Late Co-Star - January 15, 2026
- ‘Today’ Host Jenna Bush Hager Announces New Career Change - January 15, 2026
- CNN Panel Clashes Over President Trump & Minnesota Fraud Scandal - January 14, 2026
My heart breaks for Kelly & her kids. He went way before his time. No more pain…….🙏🫂🙏🫂🙏🫂💔 R. I. P XOXOXO🪽🪽🫶🫶🫶😭