Kelly Clarkson Reveals the One Thing That Most Allowed Her to Heal After Brandon Blackstock Divorce

When going through something difficult, like heartbreak, everyone has a different way of coping. Whether it’s relying on friends, taking some much-needed “me time,” or just diving head-first into work, any (and all) of these ways can help people get out of a slump. For Kelly Clarkson, who divorced her now ex-husband Brandon Blackstock in 2020, focusing on her music allowed her to heal.

“I didn’t see it other than: This is my outlet,” The Kelly Clarkson Show host told People as their new cover star. “I’m a let-go person; I don’t hold grudges. So it was really delving into what happened in my life and why—and what am I going to do about it?”

Looking back, it seems Clarkson is thankful for leaving all her emotions in her new album, Chemistry. “I cannot express how appreciative I feel for having that kind of healthy outlet,” she said. “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.”

When the album was released in June of last year, Clarkson also discovered just how meaningful putting her feelings out there would be. “[It was] like, ‘I’m taking my power back,'” Clarkson said. “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.”

And while Clarkson has continued to navigate going to court with Blackstock over spousal support, it seems like the talk show host, who recently moved to New York City for a “fresh start,” is focusing on the positives.

“Sometimes you don’t know what life has in store for you, and you think your life is going to go one way, and it’s OK that it doesn’t,” she reflected. “You never know how beautiful that might be.”

Before you go, click here to see the longest celebrity divorces that took years to get finalized.