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The Voice staff issued stern warning about Kelly Clarkson's return to show after ex-husband's tragic death
Kelly Clarkson has reportedly returned to The Voice just weeks after the death of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, who passed away from cancer at age 48.
The 43-year-old pop icon (who shares two children with Brandon) resumed filming for Season 29 of the hit NBC singing competition, marking her emotional return to television.
But behind the scenes, production insiders say the atmosphere was noticeably different this time around.
The Voice crew given stern warning
According to a source speaking to The Sun, crew members were instructed not to mention Brandon’s death while filming resumed at Universal Studios in Hollywood.
“[Brandon’s] passing delayed some crucial parts of the season, like tapings and promo shoots,” the insider revealed, via The Sun.
“When Kelly came back, [the production team] was told not to bring it up, not even to say we were sorry.”
They explained that while everyone on set deeply sympathized with Kelly, the goal was to protect her emotional space as she eased back into work.
“She was there to do her job and didn’t need to be reminded of her loss every five seconds,” the source continued.
“Everyone loves Kelly, no one wanted to upset her. So the team kept it professional, but she was still surrounded by love and support.”
A more reserved Kelly Clarkson on set
Season 29 of The Voice (set to air in Spring 2026) will feature a star-studded lineup of returning coaches, including Adam Levine and John Legend, for what’s being called an “all-winners” season.
Filming for the blind auditions and battle rounds took place in August and September, shortly after Brandon’s passing.
Crew members described Kelly as “solemn” and “quieter than usual” during production.
“She was professional, hit all her marks, and did everything that was needed,” one source said.
“But she wasn’t as chatty or bubbly as in past seasons.”
At one point, during an emotional performance in the Battle Rounds, Kelly reportedly wiped away tears when the cameras weren’t on her.
“She tried to hold it together, but when the lights dimmed, she let a few tears fall,” the insider added.
Remembering Brandon Blackstock
Brandon Blackstock – a talent manager and the father of Kelly’s two children (River Rose, 11, and Remy Alexander, nine) – died on August 7 following a three-year battle with melanoma.
Kelly and Brandon were married from 2013 to 2020, and despite their high-profile divorce, the pair remained connected through their family and shared business history.
Brandon had managed parts of Kelly’s career, including her long-running deal with NBCUniversal that brought her onto The Voice and launched her Emmy-winning daytime talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show.
Kelly Clarkson speaks publicly about her “heavy” heart
When The Kelly Clarkson Show returned to air in late September, the singer opened up for the first time about how she’s been coping since Brandon’s death.
“It’s great to see all y’all again,” she told her studio audience.
“Sometimes the world can be very heavy. I’ve always said my favorite part of doing this job is finding the light and shining it on people who are trying to make a difference.”