MY KIDS KEEP MY EGO IN CHECK
The singer and new coach on The Voice tells Life & Style how motherhood has changed her
Things have been good for Kelly Clarkson recently — very good. She was nominated for a Grammy for her recent hit “Love So Soft.” She blew the crowd away on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. And she just started shooting the upcoming season of The Voice. But there’s one reason she’s no Hollywood diva: her kids. In an exclusive interview with Life & Style during the recent NBC TCA Winter Press Tour, Kelly, 35, opened up about how her daughter, River, 3, and son, Remington, 21 months, with her talent-manager husband of four years, Brandon Blackstock, 41, have changed her life.
What’s it like having two kids at home? KC: I actually have four [ including Savannah, 16, and Seth, 11, Brandon’s kids from a previous marriage]. They are all challenging. Wine is necessary! They’re great, though. They say stuff where you’re like, “Damn, out of the mouths of babes!”
How have your kids changed you? KC: It’s about per spect ive and being less egocentric. I think when you’re younger, especially in this kind of industry where everyone is always applauding you, it’s so hard to not drink your punch. And I think a lot of people fall prey to that. [But kids] call you out, and they teach me.
What have you learned from them, exactly? KC: Kids teach you to be a better human, because they’re watching every moment. I think that they’ve taught me to look around and notice the things that are really important — even if it’s just hanging with them, playing on their little piano or taking the time. Because I think as adults it’s very hard for us to be still. It’s very hard for us to enjoy the moment.
What’s it been like seeing Brandon raise little kids? KC: It’s hilarious, because you see a grown man on the floor playing with little toddler toys. Most people would think that’s funny, but it’s also sexy as hell just to see a dad engaged with his kids, and it’s very easy with how busy we are to not be engaged. But we both really challenge each other and make sure we’re both present. It’s awesome!
You guys have been together a long time, since 2012. KC: Yeah — and we always forget our anniversary! We’re the worst! Literally somebody will email us and be like, “Happy Anniversary!” and we’re like, “Uhoh!” We always forget. But I feel like every day of our lives something amazing or special happens, so every day we’re kind of celebrating. We’re very blessed. We always fall prey to forgetting, but at least we do it together!
What lessons are you trying to teach your children? KC: I hope with our two girls and our two boys that they see their parents as successful, loving and respectful people, because that’s what we want for them. I’m going to teach my kids to do what they love, regardless of if they’re the most famous person doing it. Love what you do. Love who you work with and don’t do things you don’t love.
Speaking of work, you’ve now started shooting The Voice. Are you holding your own against Adam Levine and Blake Shelton? KC: Hell, yes, I am! I’m a whole lotta woman!
Any more children on the way? KC: No, we’re done having kids. We already have a band!