Kelly Clarkson Reveals the Emotional Struggles of Balancing Vulnerability and Privacy
Kelly Clarkson, the Emmy-winning host of The Kelly Clarkson Show, recently opened up about the emotional complexities of connecting with her guests and audience, shedding light on how she manages to balance vulnerability with privacy.
In an exclusive interview with E! News cohost Keltie Knight, Clarkson explained that being open is crucial for forming relationships, but it’s not always easy when it involves others.
“It’s not hard for me to be vulnerable as a person,” Clarkson shared. “But when it involves other people’s lives, that’s when it’s hard. You have to navigate that line of ‘Wait, is that OK?’ or ‘Can I talk about my kid with this?'”
She emphasized that this approach applies not only to her interactions on her talk show but also to deeply personal matters, such as her heartbreaks. “Like in my heartbreak, there’s certain things I’ll talk about and certain things I won’t,” she continued. “It’s not that I’m not comfortable talking about it. It’s just I don’t if other people are involved. It’s [about] how to toe that line.”
As a mother of two, River Rose and Remington Alexander, from her marriage to ex-husband Brandon Blackstock, Clarkson has learned the delicate balance between openness and privacy. Since their divorce in 2020, she’s been particularly mindful of how much she shares about her personal life.
Clarkson channeled much of her emotional journey into her 2023 album Chemistry, which she described as a vital outlet for processing her feelings. “I cannot express how appreciative I feel for having that kind of healthy outlet,” she told People magazine in January. “Because the level of depression and things that come with divorce or grieving is extraordinarily hard. You feel alone, and it’s just a blessing to be able to have that outlet for those emotions that are overwhelming.”
By walking the fine line between being open and protecting her loved ones, Clarkson continues to inspire others while navigating her own emotional challenges.