Why Kelly Clarkson changed her name to Kelly Brianne

“I’m still Kelly Clarkson.”

You know Kelly Clarkson – or, if we get everything “on your birth certificate” with it, Kelly Brianne Clarkson.

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Earlier this year, the singer and talk show host legally changed her name to Kelly Brianne – which in effect made her middle name her last name.

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At the time, Kelly said the reason for the name change was that it “more fully reflects who I am” – but it turns out that was not the whole story.

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In an interview for People (TV show!)Kelly explained that the name change was due to her divorce from ex-husband Brandon Blackstock.

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“I just got divorced, so I had to drop my married last name,” she explained.

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Kelly went on to explain that the reason she legally changed her name to Kelly Brianne was “for my personal life” – so if you still call her Kelly Clarkson, you’re ready.

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“I’m still Kelly Clarkson,” she declared before joking, “I do not think I can change Clarkson at this time. I’m 20 years inside!”

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Could not have said it better myself.

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