Kelly Clarkson' Ex Left Her Home Though She Lost Bid to Evict Him — She Still Pays Him Nearly $200k a Month

Kelly Clarkson had the "perfect" marriage. Together with her husband and two children, they enjoyed a life of bliss until the coronavirus hit. Quarantining together seemed to magnify their marital troubles, which then led to a nasty divorce. Now, the singer is looking for love.

Kelly Clarkson rose to fame after winning the first season of "American Idol" in 2002. She then released her debut single, "A Moment Like This," which topped the US Billboard Hot 100 and became the country's best-selling single of 2002.

Over the years, she has made a name for herself as a singer, songwriter, actress, author, and TV personality. Another title she carries proudly is that of a mother to her beautiful children, whom she shares with her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock.

Clarkson and Blackstock, a Nashville-based talent manager, began dating in 2011 and got engaged a year later. Their most significant milestone came a year after that when they married in a low-key celebration.

The "Happier Than Ever" songstress announced the news on her Twitter, bringing an end to the speculations about whether she and Blackstock would elope after canceling their initial wedding plans.

Speaking to People about her simple wedding, Clarkson disclosed that they were always laughing and were happy in their space. Hence, they did not need a reason to throw a big party. She confessed:

"Our whole life is a celebration."

THEY LOVED HANGING OUT AT THE RANCH

Blackstock and Clarkson's union seemed like a marriage made in heaven, and the couple could not have been happier to welcome their two children. They had a daughter River Rose in June 2014 and a son Remington "Remy" Alexander, in April 2016.

After having their babies, their family — including Blackstock's children, Seth and Savannah from a previous marriage — felt complete. They enjoyed, more than anything, hanging out at their cabin on her Montana ranch.

Clarkson and her husband loved visiting the ranch because of its breathtaking outdoors. She disclosed that they both loved open spaces because they grew up in the countryside, and because they worked all the time, the ranch provided a much-needed break from work and into nature.

They were a typical happy couple who enjoyed spending time and making memories with their children. However, not all that glitters is gold, as would be evident after the couple was quarantined together following the coronavirus pandemic.

Everyone around them thought they had the perfect marriage, but things appeared to have been behind different closed doors. Issues had been plaguing the now-estranged couple for a while but only came to light during quarantine.

Everyone was shocked when Clarkson filed court documents to end her nearly seven-year marriage, citing irreconcilable differences. A source close to Clarkson told Us Weekly:

"They clashed on so many levels, and being in quarantine together heightened their problems to the point of no return. So she filed for divorce."

A MESSY DIVORCE

While the pandemic may have been the straw that broke the camel's back, multiple insiders told Us Weekly that her talk show contributed highly to her failed union.

Transitioning to Hollywood for her talk show and coaching "The Voice" affected her marriage greatly, as Blackstock preferred their quiet life in Nashville.

The couple eventually split in June 2020, with a messy divorce shortly after. According to court documents obtained by The Blast, a Los Angeles County Court ruled the "Stronger" singer to pay $150,000 a month in spousal support.

And even though the couple agreed on joint custody of the children, who would live with Clarkson in Los Angeles, the singer would also need to pay Blackstock $45,601 per month in child support.

Clarkson also wanted Blackstock evicted from their Montana Ranch. However, Blackstock declared that amid their battle, he did not have the financial means to purchase a new home.

The judge sided with Blackstock and ruled in his favor, which meant Blackstock could still live on the Montana Ranch, despite Clarkson keeping ownership of both their Montana properties.

They finalized their divorce in March 2022, and the "Breakaway" singer could not have been happier to put an end to the turmoil finally. And while the couple had numerous issues, a source would say:

"Clarkson never expected the divorce to be so dramatic."

BLACKSTOCK MOVES OUT, AND CLARKSON MOVES ON

Blackstock finally moved out of the Montana Ranch two years after the couple split. Initially, Blackstock told the court that he wanted out of the entertainment industry and looked to become a full-time rancher.

He had said he needed the ranch for his business, but the judge ruled that he would cater for the costs of maintaining the ranch as the legal battle continued. The court then ruled that Blackstock could only stay at the farm until June 1, 2022.

Clarkson is rejoicing that he has finally moved out because, as sources told Us Weekly, Blackstock "is always asking for more and being a constant thorn in her side."

Even so, Blackstock will spend most of the summer in Montana and still has unlimited access to the ranch. After the divorce became final, he walked away with their farm cattle, livestock, stock dogs and horses, multiple vehicles, and a golf simulator, among many other items.

With her new status as a single woman, Clarkson is looking to forget her tumultuous recent past and rebuild her life. She has rejoined the dating scene and is looking for a new love.

However, she barely finds the time to search as she juggles her busy schedule and co-parenting her two children with her ex-husband. Luckily, her friends have been instrumental in helping her out and have been setting her up for dates. A source told Us Weekly:

"Kelly has entered the dating world. She's being set up with friends and is open to dating again."

The actress is now more focused on her career and is busy than ever. However, she hopes to move forward and find her one true love, and we wish her nothing but the very best.