Kelly Clarkson Explains Decision To Change Legal Name

Kelly Clarkson has opened up about her recent decision to change her legal name.

On the red carpet for her new NBC talent show “American Song Contest,” the Grammy-winning singer told People that the name change would only extend to her personal life.

“I just got divorced, so I had to drop my married last name. I just kept my middle name for my personal life. I’m still Kelly Clarkson,” she said.

“The Kelly Clarkson Show” host then joked, “I don’t think I can change Clarkson at this point. I’m 20 years in!”

Last month, Kelly filed to legally change her name to Kelly Brianne amid her divorce from Brandon Blackstock.

According to the court documents, Clarkson said that she had “a desire” to go by her first and middle names because “my new name more fully reflects who I am.”

Earlier this month, Kelly also reached a divorce settlement with her ex-husband Blackstock.

Clarkson has reportedly been granted primary custody of their two children, River, 7, and Remington, 5. Meanwhile, Blackstock, who resides in Montana, will have the kids one weekend a month.