Kelly Clarkson Steps Away From The Voice After Heartbreaking Loss — NBC Eyes A-List Replacement

Sometimes, even the strongest voices have to fall silent.

Kelly Clarkson — the woman who turned her American Idol win into two decades of powerhouse hits, sold-out tours, and Emmy-winning daytime TV — is stepping away from The Voice for season 29. Not because of burnout, but because of heartbreak.

Her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, passed away earlier this month at just 48, after a long battle with melanoma. The loss has left Kelly and their children, River Rose and Remington, devastated — and NBC is giving her all the time she needs to grieve.

👉 Behind the scenes, production is scrambling to line up an A-list replacement, with names like Kelsea Ballerini and Miley Cyrus in the mix. Both bring star power, but insiders stress this moment isn’t about ratings — it’s about respecting Kelly. “Kelly is family, just like Reba. Nobody’s asking them to push through this pain,” a source shared.

That mention of Reba McEntire makes the heartbreak even heavier. Reba, who is currently coaching in season 28, was Brandon’s stepmother and has reportedly called this “the biggest heartbreak of her life.” She’s also missed tapings as she mourns alongside Kelly and the family.

Clarkson and Blackstock’s marriage ended in a very public 2022 divorce, but their co-parenting bond remained strong. Now, Kelly is choosing to step back and put her children first. Fans who’ve watched her walk through fire before — label battles, heartbreak, rebuilding her life — know this storm cuts deeper than any before.

Meanwhile, The Voice moves forward. Season 28 will premiere in September with Reba, John Legend, and Adam Levine. But season 29 will feel different without Kelly’s quick wit, momma-bear energy, and that once-in-a-generation voice that has mentored winners and sparred with Blake Shelton like family.

💔 Fans online are already rallying around her with messages of love and support. They know when Kelly Clarkson returns, it will be with the fire and resilience that only comes from surviving the darkest nights.

For now, her silence speaks louder than any note — and when she’s ready, the world will be waiting to hear her sing again.