Singer Kelly Clarkson is reflecting on her divorce from Brandon Blackstock, saying she never wanted to get married in the first place and doesn’t believe love can be “forever.”
“I’ve always known that love is hard,” the 41-year-old celebrity told People. “For me, love has always come with this elephant in the room of sadness. I’ve known love is not forever.”
“I don’t mean that to sound depressing, but I think we put a lot of pressure on that word,” she added. “Sometimes love is looking at someone and going, ‘This is not good for you. This is not good for me.’ That’s a hard thing to face. But when you do, I think you grow.”
Clarkson had two children with Blackstock and went through a lengthy custody battle with him. They were married for seven years before splitting in 2020. Their divorce was finalized in 2022.
The “Piece by Piece” singer went on to say that while she’s willing to date again, she’s not interested in getting married a second time.
“No. I never wanted to get married the first time,” she told the publication when asked about her future dating plans. “[Brandon] had children, a religious background, and it was important, I think, for him. But I’ve never been that person. Because I’ve been through a couple divorces in my family, I just don’t like to put any weight on it. It can happen; it doesn’t have to happen. For my kids, I definitely would never even think about it until they’re out of my house.”
Clarkson also discussed how challenging it’s been to be back in the dating pool post-divorce.
“Dating sucks. It’s so awkward,” she said. “I was single until I was, like, 30, and I forgot how really good at that I am. I told a friend [that a potential partner] would have to be an individual that brings their own life to the table without needing anything from me. It’s far more romantic to say, ‘I want you, but I don’t need anything.’ I’m really good right now, I’m having a good time.”
The “American Idol” season 1 winner also discussed how working on her new album, “Chemistry,” was an outlet for her emotions as she went through the divorce.
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“I cannot express how appreciative I feel for having that kind of healthy outlet. Because the level of depression and things that come with divorce or grieving is extraordinarily hard. You feel alone, and it’s just a blessing to be able to have that outlet for those emotions that are overwhelming,” she said.
Clarkson also said the album’s release was equivalent to saying, “I’m taking my power back.”
“That sounds very therapy, but that’s because I love therapy, and I think it’s important to have those tools to navigate your life and relationships,” she added.