Kelly Clarkson Officially Finalises Her Legal Name Change

Kelly Clarkson has finalised her name change following her divorce from Brandon Blackstock. 

The singer was officially granted her new name by a judge in California on Monday (28 March), after filing a request for the change in February.

It came after her split from Blackstock in June 2020 following nearly seven years of marriage, with the singer explaining she 'had to drop [her] married last name'.

Speaking to People (the TV Show!), Clarkson went on to explain she had chosen to keep her middle name for her 'personal life', but assured she would still be known professionally as Kelly Clarkson.

“I don’t think I can change Clarkson at this point. I’m 20 years in," she added.

Kelly originally petitioned to have her married name of Blackstock restored to Clarkson in August 2021, but following the judge's ruling on Monday, she will now legally be named Kelly Brianne.

State court documents obtained by US Weekly read: "There being no objections, the petition for change of name is granted. The Decree is signed and filed. The Petitioner’s name is changed from KELLY BRIANNE CLARKSON to KELLY BRIANNE.”

Clarkson previously explained her 'desire' to go by her first and middle name was because she thought it 'more fully reflects' who she is.

She cited 'irreconcilable differences' as she filed for her divorce from Blackstock in 2020 and opened up about the split a few months later on the Today show.

She said: “You can ask anyone who’s gone through a divorce, I don’t think anyone expects it. You see yourself growing old with someone and then life has a different path. It’s so hard on everyone, and you know me, I’m really open. I try to be open and share.

"We all go through things. But at the same time, we have four kids total with each other. That’s a lot of hearts involved, and you just have to be really careful. We’re in the public eye so that’s hard too, to try and be truthful but also keep your privacy."

Clarkson rose to fame after winning the first season of the US show American Idol in 2002 and went on to release a number of hit songs including 'Since U Been Gone' and 'Because of You'.

She shares two children, daughter River Rose, 7, and son Remy, 5, with Blackstock. Her former husband also has two children: Savannah and Seth Blackstock.