Here’s The Real Reason Kelly Clarkson Changed Her Name

Earlier this year, Kelly Clarkson requested to legally change her name to Kelly Brianne, taking her middle name as her last instead of the moniker she shot to superstardom with. In a red carpet interview last week at the premiere of her new show, the “Since U Been Gone” hitmaker, 39, opened up about her post-divorce name change and clarified any confusion for fans.

“I just got divorced, so I had to drop my married last name,” Clarkson told PEOPLE (the TV Show!) at the premiere of the new NBC show American Song Contest (which she co-hosts with Snoop Dogg). “I just kept my middle name for my personal life,” she explained, “I’m still Kelly Clarkson.” The American Idol winner then joked, “I don’t think I can change Clarkson at this point. I’m 20 years in!” Clarkson commented on this topic after she reportedly filed documents back in February requesting a legal name change to Kelly Brianne.

Last month, US Weekly reported that Clarkson wrote that she had a “desire” to adjust her title, because “my new name more fully reflects who I am.” The “Breakaway” singer was previously married to Brandon Blackstock from 2013 to 2021, and their divorce was finalized earlier this month. The former couple share two children together: daughter River Rose, 7, and son Remington Alexander, 5.

At the night of the American Song Contest, Clarkson also notably spoke about her excitement to host the new talent show after her experience competing on them and serving as a judge for The Voice. Clarkson described her new venture as “a fresh start.”All in all, referring to the icon as Kelly Clarkson she says, is fine for her fans, but she prefers to be referred to as Kelly Brianne in a more personal setting.