Kelly Clarkson is dissecting her love life, piece by piece.
More than three years after the American Idol alum and Brandon Blackstock finalized their divorce, she candidly explained why she’s taking a step back from dating.
“Dating can be very difficult, which is why I don’t,” Kelly lightheartedly explained during her Studio Sessions residency’s July 20 show in Las Vegas, per a fan’s TikTok video. “I’m like, ‘It’s hard anyway.’ Add a spotlight and it’s like a…dumpster fire.”
But she didn’t come to this conclusion recently. In another TikTok from the show, the 43-year-old—who shares River Rose, 11, and Remington Alexander, 9, with Brandon—noted her challenges with relationships started in her 20s, when she was trying to find love while also being in the public eye. And true to her songwriting skills, Kelly used this tricky arc as inspiration for her 2015 single, “Tightrope.”
“You hope you grow in the same direction if you stayed with someone long enough,” she continued. “It can be like this tug of war. It’s a difficult thing, especially if you’re not with the right person. You’re like, ‘Man, should it be this hard?’ And that’s kind of what this song is about. We all have people walking tight ropes sometimes and it’s not fair.”
This isn’t the first time the “Love So Soft” star has shared insight into dating after her divorce. In fact, she recently told Jenna Bush Hager that she’s prioritizing balance in her life—and in her organization plan, meeting someone new isn’t always topping the list.
“I will say, I’m not not looking and I’m not looking,” she revealed on the May 6 episode of Today with Jenna and Friends. “I’m very busy. You get this as a mom. I’ve got to focus right now. My kids’ schedule, I feel like, is busier than mine. I’m running from my show to baseball practice. It’s a lot.”
And while she’s trying to juggle a lot of things at once, her mom Jeanne Taylor—who also raised Kelly and her two siblings as a single parent—is supporting her along the way.
“My mom will tell me, ‘Look, I was a single mom. I didn’t get to make everything. They’re gonna be fine. You turned out fine,’” she noted. “I am just trying to be there as much for them and we’re a cute little unit.”
Keep reading to see more of Kelly’s sweetest moments with her kids…
A Moment Like This
Kelly Clarkson's kids River and Remy, whose dad is her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock, sweetly stole the show when they appeared on a December 2024 episode of her eponymous series.
Mother-Son Night Out
For the 2024 Grammys, the "Because Of You" brought her son Remy as her plus-one.
Fun Backstage
Kelly shared this pic of her kids backstage at her Las Vegas residency show in August 2023, just before they joined their mom onstage for surprise appearances.
Mom & Daughter Memories
The "Since U Been Gone" singer was joined by her daughter Remy at the 2022 People's Choice Awards.
Star Sighting
River and Remy celebrated their mom receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in September 2022.
Family Movie Premiere
In 2019, Kelly and Brandon attended the premiere of her movie UglyDolls with Remy and River as well as with his kids Seth and Savannah from his previous marriage. The American Idol winner filed for divorce from the manager the following year and their union was formally dissolved in 2022.
Visiting Mom at Work
River and Remy sat alongside celebrity guest Jason Momoa on their mom's talk show in 2019.
Lake Life
Kelly enjoyed some fun in the sun with Remy and River Rose in 2018.
Today Show Appearance
Kelly's kids made the cutest cameo when they joined Hoda Kotb on a 2017 episode of Today.
Howdy, Partner
Who doesn't love a day at Disneyland with mom?
In Charge
River and Remy were ready to help put out fires and solve crime in their costumes.
Road Trip
The kids buckled up for a family drive.
Disco Diva
River proved she already takes after her mom when it comes to performing, and Kelly couldn't have been any more proud.
Flying High
"NYC y'all ain't ready for Remy B......I'M SO EXCITED!!!!!!" Kelly captioned this adorable snap of her little man.
Make-Up Free
Kelly was all smiles as she took this selfie with her daughter.
Girls on Set
When making her music video in 2017, the Texas native brought her daughter along for some behind-the-scenes fun.
Hockey Fun
In May 2017, the fam took in a Nashville Predators hockey game and even rocked matching jerseys.
Smooches
Ugh, could this be any cuter of an Easter moment?
Remy's Day
Remy's first birthday in 2017 was a total blast and included a massive cake!
Happy Holiday
Kelly and River braved the Tennessee winter temps to be a part of the Nashville Christmas Parade in 2016. And seriously, they're so stinking cute.
Play Time
While on a visit to Washington D.C., Kelly's little ones got a ride on a blanket courtesy of their half-brother Seth.
Book Launch
To celebrate the launch of her children's book, the mom of two shared this adorable snap of her and her daughter.
Three Generations
For Mother's Day, the singer gave her mom a sweet shout-out and posted this adorable photo of three generations.
Famous Friends
Live from New York...it's Kelly's little one hanging out with SNL alum Jimmy Fallon.
Mamma's Girl
In October 2014, the Grammy winner shared her first photo of daughter River Rose.