Kelly Clarkson in tears on return to TV after ex’s death

Kelly Clarkson, famously known as the Breakaway hitmaker, made a heartfelt return to The Kelly Clarkson Show on Monday, September 29, 2025, for the premiere of its seventh season.

This was her first public appearance following the passing of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, who died on August 7 at 48 after battling melanoma.

The 43-year-old singer became visibly emotional, struggling to hold back tears while meeting a group of Texas bus drivers praised as heroes for saving children during the devastating flash floods in July.

Reportedly, the floods claimed 135 lives, with many more missing, and the Stronger star listened intently as Kerrville school district superintendent Dr. Brent Ringo recounted the heroic efforts. 

“Within 10, 15 minutes we had a response,” he said, describing how drivers, principals, and staff rushed to help stranded children.

One bus driver, Amanda, became emotional recalling her rescue of children from Camp Mystic, where 27 girls and counsellors tragically lost their lives. “

Another driver shared how children comforted one another by singing Christian songs, leaving Clarkson visibly moved.

The American Idol star praised the drivers for saving 900 children and shared H-E-B’s $50,000 donations to local charities.

Lastly, she recognised the emotional toll of recent events, saying "the world feels very heavy," while underscoring her show's commitment to highlighting positivity and resilience.

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