Kelly Clarkson Reveals Why Her Dating Life Is on Hold After Brandon Blackstock Divorce

Kelly Clarkson finalized her divorce from Brandon Blackstock in 2022, so she is free to date whomever she wants. Still, the 42-year-old talk show host hasn’t jumped back into the dating pool yet and she has two good reasons why.

Clarkson has discussed her hesitancy about dating, but she isn’t the only one in the family who isn’t ready. Her two kids, River Rose, 10, and Remington, 8, with Blackstock are very territorial over their mom. “Both my kids are not [into it and] they constantly bring it up, ‘Please, we don’t want you to be with anybody else,’” she said during a radio interview with KOST 103.5 on Nov. 15. “They’re young, so it’s hard to picture their mom with someone else other than their dad.”

While her children are a bit nervous about another man coming into their lives, Clarkson is more open to the idea than she was earlier in the year. She said she’s “not looking for it” right now and wants to find the right person who will ease into a relationship — Clarkson does not want an instant boyfriend, OK?

“I feel, like, I’m a magnet for people who are all-in right off the bat and want to be exclusive,” she added. “It’s not that I want to kiss a bunch of people, but I’m very non-committal at the moment … and I have little ones. My girl, too, I’ve explained to her, ‘When Mommy’s ready, it’s OK. I’m allowed to do that.’”

Clarkson was reportedly “crushing” on Kevin Costner after his June 24 visit to The Kelly Clarkson Show, according to Life & Style. “She likes a guy with a little mileage on him and she thinks Kevin’s a sweetheart and a gentleman,” a source divulged while noting that “it is known in his circle that she’d like to date him if he’s game.” It doesn’t seem like that A-list match panned out, but it’s a major step after putting her love life on hold.

In March, Clarkson revealed that she loved her single-gal life. “I am really loving not having a man in my life,” she told guest Hoda Kotb. “It’s just too hard, it’s too much.” While the “Since U Been Gone” singer isn’t looking for a romantic match for Christmas, it might be on her wish list for 2025. Any suitor better know that he has to pass a challenging test though — there are two little ones who are protective of Clarkson’s heart.

Before you go, click here to learn more about celebrities who’ve opened up about dating after divorce.