Kelly Clarkson has emerged from a storm of heartbreak, shining brighter than ever. The superstar, known for her powerhouse vocals and infectious charm, faced a devastating chapter with the sudden passing of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, from cancer in August 2025, compounded by the painful discovery of his betrayal during their marriage. But in the latest episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show, aired on August 25, 2025, Clarkson opened up about the sources of joy that pulled her from despair: her 8-year-old son Remington “Remy” Alexander, her 11-year-old daughter River Rose, and her longtime friend Snoop Dogg. Together, they’ve painted a rainbow over her darkest days, proving that love can heal even the deepest wounds.
Filmed at 30 Rockefeller Center in New York City, where The Kelly Clarkson Show relocated for its fifth season, the episode was a celebration of Clarkson’s resilience. The 43-year-old star glowed in a shimmering dress, sharing the stage with her children and Snoop Dogg. No dogs stole the spotlight this time, but Clarkson gave a nod to the family’s beloved pup, Charlie, named by River after Charlie Brown. “River said, ‘I don’t care if people think it’s a boy’s or girl’s name!’” Clarkson laughed, beaming with pride. “That’s when I knew I’d done something right as a mom!”
Clarkson’s emotional honesty set the tone. “I went through a long stretch of darkness,” she admitted, her voice steady yet vulnerable. “Losing Brandon was a shock, and the betrayal I uncovered during our marriage cut deep. But River, Remy, and Snoop—they showed me what real love feels like.” The audience erupted in applause, moved by her candor and the undeniable bond she shared with her loved ones.
Remy, the 8-year-old with a smile as bright as his mom’s, became a sensation after a November 2024 episode where he joined Clarkson for a heartfelt rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.” The clip, which racked up over 1.4 million views, captured Remy’s soulful singing, leaving both Clarkson and viewers stunned. In the latest episode, Clarkson recounted with a grin, “I told Remy, ‘Buddy, your video’s got over a million views!’ And he goes, ‘Do you get that many, Mom?’” The cheeky remark had the studio roaring, with big sister River playfully teasing her brother. “He’s always singing in his room—country, standards, you name it,” Clarkson said, glowing with pride over her son’s musical talent.
River Rose, 11, with hair just like her mom’s, was equally captivating. She stole hearts during Clarkson’s 2023 Las Vegas residency, joining Remy on stage for “Heartbeat Song,” a moment Clarkson called “the greatest encore of my life.” In this episode, River shared that she’s been writing songs, prompting a proud smile from Clarkson. “She’s just like me, always scribbling something,” Clarkson said. She revealed her “no social media” rule for the kids, keeping them grounded despite their mom’s fame. “I want them to be kids, not caught up in the spotlight,” she explained, a choice that’s let River and Remy shine in their own authentic way, whether dancing at home or charming audiences.
Snoop Dogg, Clarkson’s friend since co-hosting American Song Contest in 2022, brought his signature charisma. Their bond, built on mutual respect and playful banter, has been a lifeline. “Snoop’s got this way of making you feel seen,” Clarkson said, recalling how he shouted her out at an awards show years ago, boosting her confidence as a young artist. Snoop shared a story about sending Clarkson a care package of his favorite snacks and a handwritten note: “You got this, Lil Sis.” He said the gesture came from his own experiences, including supporting his daughter Cori Broadus through her lupus battle. “Kelly’s family, yo,” Snoop told the crowd. “We lift each other up.” The duo teased a potential musical collaboration, with Clarkson hinting at a “surprise project” blending their styles.
The episode was more than a comeback; it showcased Clarkson’s gift for connection. She performed a “Kellyoke” cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely,” dedicated to River, and invited Snoop for a freestyle rap that had the audience on their feet. Off-screen, Clarkson’s move to New York has revitalized her. “The energy here, being closer to family in North Carolina—it’s been a game-changer,” she said. Friends say she’s exploring Broadway, with rumors of a starring role in a musical based on The Chicks.
As the episode closed, Clarkson hugged River and Remy, with Snoop by her side, grinning. “After the storm, there’s always a rainbow,” she said. “These guys are mine.” The sentiment resonated, with fans flooding social media to praise her strength. “Kelly’s heart is her superpower,” one tweeted on X. With her album Sunrise slated for 2026 and her show renewed through 2025, Clarkson’s comeback isn’t just a moment—it’s a movement, proving that love, in all its forms, can mend even the deepest scars.
