Kelly Clarkson Reveals That ‘It Was Hard To Smile’ On Talk Show Amid Divorce

Kelly Clarkson just admitted that she sometimes struggled to put on a brave face amid her painful divorce from Brandon Blackstock, which she said was made even more difficult due to the pandemic.

As well as teasing Extra’s Rachel Lindsay about her highly-anticipated new record (which she previously revealed would be full of “angry” songs about the divorce) in a very candid interview, the 40-year-old former The Voice coach opened up about how The Kelly Clarkson Show and American Idol have impacted her life. However, the most emotional part of the interview came when the mom-of-two told Rachel how important working throughout her divorce was for her, as it gave her something else to focus her energy on, even when she didn’t “feel like smiling.” Poor Kelly!

“I don’t think people realize when you’re on camera, especially during a global pandemic, and then going through a divorce, and just a lot of things changing in my world… it was very hard to smile, because you don’t feel like smiling,” the “Since U Been Gone” singer confessed.

“It was so important and just such a great thing that I had work to come to because you have to pivot and focus the energy elsewhere,” she continued. “It was very therapeutic and very helpful for me personally. You’re reminded that yes, this is a moment, it’s not forever.”

Another more positive thing that impacted the “Because of You” hitmaker’s life was of course winning American Idol 20 years ago (wow – has it really been that long?!) which will be celebrated again later this month when Simon Cowell presents her with her highly-deserved star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on September 19th.

Kelly also took to her own social media to celebrate the 20-year anniversary of her history-making win, and told Rachel: “I had a really hard day because I had to do a really hard interview… I felt drained… I was sitting on my couch and I was like, ‘Oh, my God — it’s September 4…’ I was like, Wow.’ I don’t generally talk about it a lot, but it deserved that because 20 years ago if you had told me this would’ve been the ride, first of all I would have avoided several things, and secondly, I wouldn’t have believed it. I work hard, but also there is a lot of aligning of the stars and luck, as well.”

Kelly’s heartfelt Insta post began: “20 years ago today I won American Idol and it forever changed the course of my life. That moment was the door that opened up so much access and opportunity, and creative partnerships that I will be grateful for all of my days.”

“We only get so many trips around the sun and while I am proud and feel abundantly blessed of the successes and failures that I have learned from, I am most proud and grateful for those friends that have become family, and for their arms that have held me when I needed it and their hearts that listened to me when I felt lost,” she continued. “Without them I would not be where I am. I would probably not be here at all.”

The Kelly Clarkson Show host also recognized that she wouldn’t be where she is today without the people who voted for her, adding: “Thank you so much to every single person that voted 20 years ago! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I hope all of you have people in your lives that fill you with laughter, and hope and happiness, and if you don’t feel like you have that, then keep searching because I promise you they’re looking for you too.”