Kelly Clarkson is embracing her single status and has candidly shared her thoughts on dating during her ongoing residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. The 43-year-old singer, known for her powerful voice and relatable personality, spoke to fans between performances of her greatest hits, revealing the challenges of navigating the dating world.
“Dating can be very difficult, which is why I don’t,” Clarkson told the audience, as captured in fan footage shared on TikTok. She humorously described the added pressure of being in the public eye, saying, “It’s hard anyway; add a spotlight, and it’s like a … dumpster fire.”
Clarkson’s reluctance to date comes after a tumultuous few years marked by her divorce from Brandon Blackstock in 2020. Since then, she has focused on her career and personal growth, and she is not in a rush to jump back into the dating scene. In a September 2023 Instagram video, she affirmed her happiness with being single, stating, “Do I have a boyfriend? No! And not looking. You know why? I love being single.”
Her openness about her dating life has resonated with fans, particularly after she discussed her single status on the May 6 episode of “Today With Jenna and Friends.” During the interview, Clarkson explained that she is “very busy” and not actively seeking a relationship.
In her performances, she has also reflected on past relationships, making light of her experiences. During a show in Atlantic City, she shared, “We learn from our parents, who learn from their parents. We keep repeating the same horrible s* over and over. Now, it turns out that I chose the same f*ing path.” This candidness showcases her growth and willingness to address her past openly.
Clarkson has also revealed that she never intended to get married in the first place. In a January 2023 interview with People, she stated, “I never wanted to get married the first time.” Her marriage to Blackstock, which lasted from 2013 to 2020, produced two children: River Rose, 11, and Remington, 9. Clarkson filed for divorce in June 2020, and the couple settled in 2022, with Clarkson receiving full primary custody and relocating to New York City with her children.
In a more recent interview with USA Today in October 2023, Clarkson reflected on her decision to move away from Los Angeles, stating, “I thought I was making a horrible decision. I knew I needed a fresh start and couldn’t be in L.A. I really wanted to be in Montana, but you can’t really do a show from there quite yet. So I was like, ‘The only other option would probably be New York.’”
Despite her busy schedule and the challenges of her past, Clarkson continues to focus on her career and her children. She recently made headlines for her humorous remarks about fellow musician Taylor Swift, acknowledging Swift’s success and the challenges of touring. “When you tour, like, you have to take everything in trucks. So, you have to pay for all that,” she explained. “You can’t really pay for seven guitars on stage ‘cause you make no money. Unless you’re Taylor Swift, then you can do whatever the f*** you want. For the rest of us minions, [it doesn’t] work.”
As Clarkson navigates her single life and career, her fans continue to support her journey. Her candidness about her experiences in love and life resonates with many, making her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. For now, she seems content to focus on herself and her music, leaving the dating game on hold.