Singer Kelly Clarkson Emotionally Broke Down on Stage a Few Days Prior to Her Ex-Spouse's Demise
Kelly Clarkson Alters "Piece by Piece" Lyrics in Response to Divorce and Financial Requests
Pop superstar Kelly Clarkson has made significant changes to the lyrics of her 2015 song "Piece by Piece," a song originally written as a tribute to her then-husband, Brandon Blackstock, and a contrast to her father's abandonment. The changes come after the couple's divorce and Blackstock's financial demands.
In the revised version, Clarkson sings, "I just walk away when they ask for money / I take care of me, 'cause I love me / Piece by piece, I restored my faith / That a heart can still beat even when it breaks." This is a stark contrast to the original lyrics, which praised Blackstock for never walking away or asking for money.
Clarkson has explained that she has rewritten the lyrics multiple times, first to an "angry" version reflecting the bitterness of their divorce, then to a more mature, therapy-influenced version that balances the song's painful history with personal growth. She described the lyric changes as a process of compartmentalization and emotional evolution—moving from hurt and anger toward a more self-affirming narrative.
During a tearful Las Vegas performance about two weeks before Blackstock's death in August 2025, Clarkson broke down while explaining why she felt that her new lyrics are a more "grown-up version" of her song. The emotional performance was captured on video by TikTok user @modestishottest4u.
Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock were married for seven years before embarking on a seemingly messy divorce in 2020. Blackstock died on Aug. 7 from cancer at the age of 48. Clarkson, who shares two children with Blackstock, River Rose, 11, and Remington Alexander, 9, has postponed her Las Vegas residency to be fully present for her children during this difficult time.
Clarkson has also apologized to those who bought tickets to her shows and expressed gratitude for the support of her audience during her emotional performances. Despite the challenges, Clarkson remains focused on her healing and growth, as reflected in her new version of "Piece by Piece."
[1] Source: Billboard [2] Source: People [3] Source: TikTok (@modestishottest4u) [4] Source: Rolling Stone [5] Source: Entertainment Weekly
- Kelly Clarkson's new lyrics for "Piece by Piece" in the revised version plainly state, "I just walk away when they ask for money," suggesting a shift from her past relationship with celebrities and their financial demands.
- Amid the backdrop of entertainment, Kelly Clarkson's transformation through her music is evident as she sings about self-love and healing, particularly in the revised version of "Piece by Piece," where she expresses, "I take care of me, 'cause I love me."
