According to legal documents, The Voice star Kelly Clarkson is now officially Kelly Brianne. Kelly filed to have her name adjusted in February, a few weeks before resolving her divorce from Brandon Blackstock. After requesting that her name be changed, Kelly shared the reason behind her decision, which was beyond her split from Brandon. The original American Idol and daytime TV host said she decided to go by her first and middle name because it reflects her personality.
Before the Grammy Award winner's name change was finalized, she prevented possible speculation by reassuring fans that her new name wouldn't impact her career. Kelly explained during an interview on March 21 that she dropped her married last name after the divorce and decided to keep her middle name for her personal life. However, the music star assured fans that her professional name remained the same. Kelly also said Clarkson could not be erased from her name because she has been known publicly by that name for 20 years.
Several weeks after requesting a name change, Kelly's wish was finally granted on March 28. According to court documents from Los Angeles Superior Court, which were obtained by Us Weekly, the 39-year-old musician was awarded her new moniker as there were no objections to her petition. The document stated, "The Decree is signed and filed. The Petitioner's name is changed from KELLY BRIANNE CLARKSON to KELLY BRIANNE."
Kelly's new moniker comes on the heels of her split from Brandon. After almost seven years of marriage, the "I Dare You" singer and her ex-husband split in June 2020. The former couple was declared legally single in August 2021 before finally settling their divorce earlier this month. The divorce proceedings have been exhausting, and Kelly has been quite open about how the split affected her family. She once said that it's no secret her life had been somewhat of a dumpster. Kelly also noted that the most challenging part of her divorce was its impact on her daughter River Rose and son Remy.
Meanwhile, in the wake of Kelly and Brandon's divorce settlement, the worried mom was granted primary custody of their children. However, she will have to pay Brandon a one-time payment of $1,326,161 and monthly payments of $115,000 in spousal support. Kelly will also pay $45,600 per month in child support. Meanwhile, Brandon was granted permission to live in the former couple's Montana ranch until June but must pay Kelly a rent of $12,500.
The finalization of Kelly's name change brings an end to what must have been a tumultuous past few weeks in the singer's life. The Voice coach has dealt with finalizing her divorce from Brandon, making sure her kids are okay, and seeking a new and preferred identity for herself. Now that all that is out of the way, Kelly can concentrate on her career and be a good mom to her children. She also hopes to have a good co-parenting relationship with Brandon. Many fans might have been wondering what Kelly's name change means for her career, but the singer's previous statement that she will still go by Kelly Clarkson means they have nothing to worry about.
Source: Us Weekly
