Kelly Clarkson accused her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock of telling her that The Voice didn't want her as a judge because she wasn't sexually desirable enough.
According to Kelly, Brandon made the comments while he was not only her husband but also working as her professional manager.
She made the accusation against her ex while testifying before a California labor commissioner last year as she and Brandon were embroiled in a legal battle over money following their bitter divorce.
Now new details about Kelly's statement have emerged in a report by the New York Post, which cites relevant court documents.
In Kelly's version of events, she expressed her desire to become a coach on “The Voice” for years, but Brandon dashed her hopes by saying that NBC executives were not interested in her and were “looking for a more sex symbol guy.” “ like Rihanna was looking for .
Kelly Clarkson accused her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock of telling her that The Voice didn't want her as a judge because she wasn't sexually desirable enough; pictured 2020
In Kelly's version of events, Brandon said that NBC executives were not interested in her and were “looking for a more sex-symbolic type” like Rihanna; pictured last October
Kelly claimed that Brandon told her that NBC would prefer a choice like Rihanna, not just because she was “someone sexy,” but because the network needed to have “someone who was black.” … They had to have some variety.'
To hear Kelly tell it, Brandon also said that Kelly was “too similar” to Blake Shelton, who was one of the coaches on The Voice at the time.
Her lawyer asked how she managed to remember the exchange with Brandon, to which Kelly replied: “Well, a woman doesn't forget when she's told she's not a sex symbol, so it stays that way.”
Last November, California Labor Commissioner ordered Brandon to repay $2,641,374 to Kelly, saying he overcharged her.
The labor commissioner concluded that Brandon had overstepped his boundaries as his manager by booking her jobs that only her agents were authorized to take – one of those jobs was The Voice.
Kelly has had a long career on The Voice, starting when she appeared as an advisor to Blake in 2012.
She eventually joined the program as a full-time coach in 2018 and left at the end of 2021, returning to the panel in early 2023.
The alleged “sex symbol” comments came to light shortly after it was revealed that Kelly had made her final spousal support payment of $115,000 to Brandon.
To hear Kelly tell it, Brandon also said that Kelly was “too similar” to Blake Shelton, who was one of the coaches on The Voice at the time; Blake and Kelly pictured in 2018
She eventually joined the program as a full-time coach in 2018 and left at the end of 2021, returning to the panel in early 2023
A source told Us Weekly of the 41-year-old singer, “Kelly is relieved that her spousal support for Brandon is over.”
“She's been preparing for this for some time and is so happy that her payments to Brandon have been completed.” “It's so nice to know that this chapter of her life can come to an end with the new year.”
The person close to Clarkson added: “Kelly sees this as a fresh start and couldn't be happier to have a clean slate in 2024.”
The former couple met in 2006 and were married for almost seven years when the pop star filed for divorce from Blackstock, 47, in June 2020.
Kelly Clarkson has made her final $115,000 spousal support payment to ex-husband Brandon Blackstock and is reportedly feeling “relieved”
A source told Us Weekly of the 41-year-old singer, “Kelly is relieved that her spousal support for Brandon is over,” the ex-couple said in 2013
After their divorce was finalized in 2022, Clarkson was ordered to pay $45,000 a month in child support for her children – daughter River, nine, and son Remington, seven.
Blackstock also received spousal support of $115,000 per month through January of this year.
In November 2023, a California labor commissioner ruled that Blackstock had “unlawfully” booked jobs for Clarkson, including signing her contract as a judge on “The Voice” while she was employed as her manager, since only agents could secure jobs for talent, such as according to court documents obtained by TMZ.
Blackstock also collected $2,641,374 per store in fees from other advertising firms such as Wayfair and Norwegian Cruise Line.
The labor commissioner ordered Blackstock to pay back the commissions – including the $1.98 million for appearing on The Voice – to his ex-wife.
It was reported that Blackstock's legal team plans to appeal the decision.
In October, Clarkson opened up about her decision to leave The Voice after nine seasons as one of the four celebrity coaches.
Balancing hosting duties for The Kelly Clarkson Show and The Voice has felt increasingly difficult in recent years, she told USA Today.
The former couple met in 2006 and were married for almost seven years when the pop star filed for divorce from Blackstock, 47, in June 2020
Clarkson was stepmother to Brandon's children Seth and Savannah before welcoming daughter River, nine, and son Remington, seven; pictured in April 2019
“Full disclosure: I've been smiling a lot because I've been having a lot of trouble in my personal life,” Kelly said of appearing on double duty.
She added: “I learned a lot about what I'm capable of and what not to handle.” That meant saying goodbye to The Voice and taking this big step. I love this family, but I thought, “I have problems. I can't smile anymore. I don’t feel like smiling.”
“What's cool for me about Season 5 is that I'm doing so well, not just with my kids, but with myself personally and with the show,” she admitted.
“I feel like a weight has been lifted.” “This step was urgently needed,” emphasized Clarkson.