Kelly Clarkson isn't exactly hiding. You see her every day on The Kelly Clarkson Show, laughing with guests, or maybe you caught her "Studio Sessions" residency at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. But while she’s everywhere professionally, her romantic life has become a bit of a fortress.
Honestly, the question of is kelly clarkson dating has a pretty straightforward answer right now: No.
She’s single. Very single. And she’s actually being incredibly loud about why that is.
It’s been a heavy few years for the "Since U Been Gone" singer. After a grueling, multi-year divorce from Brandon Blackstock that wasn't finalized until 2022, Kelly has been navigating a new reality. Then, in August 2025, things took a tragic turn when Blackstock passed away after a three-year battle with cancer.
That changed everything.
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The Current Status: "I'm Not Not Looking"
Back in May 2025, while chatting with Jenna Bush Hager on Today, Kelly gave a quote that went viral for its relatability. She said, "I'm not not looking, and I'm not looking." It sounds like a riddle, but any single parent gets it. You aren't closed off to the idea of a "unicorn situation," as she called it, but you also don't have the energy to download an app and start swiping.
She's busy.
Between her Emmy-winning talk show, her music career, and her residency, her schedule is a jigsaw puzzle. But the biggest piece of that puzzle is her kids, River Rose and Remington.
Why Her Kids Are the Real Gatekeepers
If you're wondering why she hasn't been spotted on any candlelit dinners in NYC lately, look to her children. Kelly has been very open about the fact that River and Remy aren't exactly thrilled about the idea of a new step-dad.
During an interview with KOST 103.5, Kelly admitted her kids constantly tell her, "Please, we don't want you with anybody else."
It makes sense. They’re young. They only ever knew their mom and dad together, and then they had to watch their father go through a terminal illness. Kelly’s focus in early 2026 has been entirely on their healing. She recently shared a video on her YouTube channel mentioning how she’s been comforting them after their father's passing, trying to keep their lives as stable as possible.
She told her kids, "Mommy needs lovings too," but for now, those "lovings" seem to come from her tight-knit circle of friends and her "cute little unit" at home.
The "Dumpster Fire" of Celebrity Dating
Kelly doesn't mince words. During one of her Vegas shows in July 2025, she straight-up told the crowd that dating is hard, but "add a spotlight and it’s a dumpster fire."
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Think about it.
If Kelly Clarkson goes to a coffee shop with a man, it’s a headline. If she has a bad first date, the whole world speculates on her "heartbreak." She’s spent decades in the public eye, and after a marriage that ended in very public legal battles over finances and properties, she seems to be protective of her peace.
She’s also admitted that she’s a "magnet" for people who want to go all-in immediately. She isn't interested in that. Right now, she’s "very noncommittal."
What She Wants (Eventually)
So, what would it take for Kelly to actually start dating again? She laid it out pretty clearly in a PEOPLE cover story. She wants someone who:
- Brings their own life to the table.
- Doesn't "need" anything from her.
- Is okay with her being a self-sufficient powerhouse.
She mentioned that she was single until she was 30 and realized she's actually "really good at it." There’s a power in that. She isn't looking for someone to complete her; she’s already whole.
How to Follow Kelly’s Lead on Singlehood
If you’re in a similar "post-everything" phase of life, Kelly’s approach is actually a masterclass in boundaries.
- Prioritize your peace over social pressure. Just because people ask "is kelly clarkson dating" doesn't mean she has to answer with a name. You don't owe anyone a relationship status.
- Listen to your "unit." If your kids or your own mental health aren't ready for a new person, wait. The right person will still be "right" a year from now.
- Be the "unicorn." Focus on your own career and hobbies. Kelly is currently at the top of her game because she poured all that "relationship energy" back into herself and her show.
Kelly Clarkson is currently single by choice, focusing on her children’s grief and her own flourishing career. While she hasn't closed the door on love forever, she’s certainly not standing by it waiting for someone to knock. For now, she’s perfectly happy being the captain of her own ship.