
Many fans connect with Kelly Clarkson because she seems so down-to-earth. Therefore, it makes sense that the talk show host would address the challenges she’s faced since the passing of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock. The Kelly Clarkson Show Season 7 recently began airing as part of the 2025 TV schedule, and she shared that advice from Lionel Richie was helpful as she dealt with her grief.
Lionel Richie, who currently judges American Idol, recently visited the show’s very first winner (you can watch American Idol with a YouTube TV subscription). During their conversation, they discussed the topic of grief. While writing his memoir, Truly: The Official Inspirational Journey Through the Life of a Musical Legend, Richie shared that revisiting the loss of his parents was difficult for him. Kelly Clarkson has also been experiencing grief, as the father of her children passed away from cancer at the age of 48. Speaking about Richie’s book, she said:
I believe many people experience grief uniquely, and I really appreciate the idea that ‘Grief is the great teacher of what matters most.’ It’s true that how someone handles grief is deeply personal and varies greatly. But I genuinely find that statement to be very, very insightful.
Let me just clarify something: Kelly Clarkson never actually *said* Brandon Blackstock’s name during their talk. But she was genuinely curious how Lionel Richie managed to guess who she was referring to. And his response? It was surprisingly thoughtful. He gave a really cerebral take on things, explaining how he put it all together. It was fascinating to hear his perspective, especially considering the situation. He’s such a smart guy, that Lionel!
There’s a saying that something feels genuine. It means you can’t just go through the motions; it has to be a real moment. However, we often practice or rehearse things beforehand. But some experiences, like grief, are impossible to prepare for. You can’t rehearse the pain of losing your mother, father, or a friend. Those feelings are simply something you can’t anticipate or practice for.
It’s difficult to accept, but it’s true that you can *try* to picture life without someone you love, but you can never truly be ready for the emotions and reactions that will come. Just thinking about that possibility is honestly overwhelming. As Kelly Clarkson noted, grief often comes in waves. And continuing that thought, Lionel Richie added:
It might sound strange, but I’m actually excited to discover my true self. I feel like that’s where I’ll find the real me. And I’ve learned that if something hurts a lot, it just means you loved with everything you had. It’s a reminder that deep feelings, even painful ones, are worth experiencing. It’s about embracing the full spectrum of emotion.
It was clear the singer was deeply moved; she leaned back and expressed her surprise with an exclamation. I especially appreciate that these two legendary musicians could relax and have an honest discussion about how people cope with loss and sadness.
For years, Brandon Blackstock had been dealing with health issues, but Kelly Clarkson kept his struggles private. She did this even when his condition worsened and people began speculating about why she was absent from tapings of The Kelly Clarkson Show and had to cancel performances during her Las Vegas residency.

YouTube TV: $62.99 a Month for the First Five Months
You can enjoy watching Lionel Ritchie on American Idol and Kelly Clarkson on The Voice with YouTube TV. It offers live access to news, sports, and a wide range of popular channels. Currently, you can subscribe for $62.99 per month for five months, after which the price will increase to $82.99 per month. View Deal
It’s certainly been a difficult period for Kelly Clarkson, and also for her children, 11-year-old River Rose and 9-year-old Remy. I’m happy to learn that she found comfort in some of Lionel Richie’s sentiments as she continues to heal.
Only time will reveal how Jeremy Clarkson’s past experiences will affect the remainder of the current season of The Kelly Clarkson Show, which broadcasts every weekday. To find out when and where to watch, please consult your local television listings.
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2025-10-05 21:39