Kelly Clarkson’s Emotional Performance Days Before Ex Brandon Blackstock’s Passing

Kelly Clarkson‘s ex-husband Brandon Blackstock passed away one day after the singer announced she canceled her August Las Vegas shows due to his illness. The “American Idol” season 1 winner got emotional during her last Vegas performance before Blackstock’s death.

Kelly Clarkson Got Emotional While Performing ‘Tightrope’ and ‘Beautiful Disaster’

Videos from Clarkson’s August 2 Las Vegas “Studio Sessions” performance show the singer getting emotional while singing “Tightrope.”

“People always ask me what my favorite song is that I’ve written, that I have released … this is one of my favorites. I love depressing music. Whenever I feel sad, I like to get it out. I like to listen to something sad,” Clarkson told the audience.

She continued, “It’s one of those things, where relationships can be so hard. Right? And I feel like, I sing this every night, but I do mean it. Especially if you’re not in the right relationship, it just feels like you’re constantly walking a tightrope.”

The lyrics are certainly emotional, including:

You’re on the tightrope

I’ve got my reasons

How did we get so tangled?

You turn, I stay straight

I bend as you break

We’re so messed up but I know

That you and I will fall in time, eventually

Or maybe we’ll both die trying

Clarkson also was emotional at the end of her performance of “Beautiful Disaster,” turning away after the last note to wipe tears from her eyes.

Kelly Clarkson Canceled Her Vegas Shows Amid Ex’s Illness

On August 6, Clarkson took to Instagram to announce that she was cancelling her remaining August shows because her ex-husband was ill.

“Unfortunately, I need to postpone the remainder of the August Studio Session dates in Las Vegas,” Clarkson shared. “While I normally keep my personal life private, this past year, my children’s father has been ill and at this moment, I need to be fully present for them.”

She added, “I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows and I so appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding.”

Blackstock died on August 7, 2025, following a long battle with cancer. He was 48.

“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away. Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years. He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family,” a rep for the family said in a statement. “We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”