Kelly Clarkson is make an emotional return to TV just weeks after the death of ex-husband

Kelly Clarkson is to make a comeback in a touching TV special(Image: NBC)

Kelly Clarkson is to make emotional return to TV after death of her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock. The singer, 43, has been absent from screens since Brandon passed away following a battle with cancer earlier this month at the age of just 48.

The Behind These Hazel Eyes songstress, who came to prominence as the inaugural winner of American Idol more than 20 years ago, will be seen in the first of a four-part series called Songs & Stories that was filmed before she was dealt with the personal tragedy. The NBC programme will explore the history of famous songs, and Kelly will be seen alongside The Jonas Brothers when it premieres on Tuesday night, whilst Gloria Estefan, Teddy Swims and Lizzo, amongst others will appear further down the line.

At one point in the show, Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas, will remember trying to get noticed by claiming they had opened for Kelly on tour in 2005, and then name-checked her in their version of the Busted classic Year 3000, which came after they had found fame on Disney Channel alongside the likes of Miley Cyrus and Demi Lovato.

The talk show host will be joined by The Jonas Brothers, nearly 20 years after they name-checked her in a cover version of the Busted classic Year 3000(Image: NBC)

Reacting to the name check, which saw the boys claim that their song had ‘outsold Kelly Clarkson’ in the fictional context of the lyrics, Kelly said: “It was in a meet and greet and somebody [said], ‘Did you hear the Jonas Brothers song?’ and I was like ‘What, no?’ and they were like ‘They say your name!’ and I was like “What! was like, ‘That’s so cool to be referenced in any way in pop culture — I love it.’”

In turn, Nick recalls: “For like years as a way to get our foot in the door in interviews we’d be like, ‘Yeah we opened for Kelly Clarkson. We were not an opener — we were like in a parking lot on the B, B, B, C stage.” Joe adds: “I handed out valet tickets!”

The group will then be seen giving an acoustic rendition of the song, which they released in 2006 before performing it as special guest stars on the Hannah Montana: Best of Both Worlds concert the following year, and Kelly jumps up out of her seat when her name comes around.

Kelly, who has River Rose, 11, and nine-year-old Remy with Brandon, was recently said to be taking time out of her career so she can focus on spending time with her children. As well as her career as a singer, the star has found success as the host of her eponymous talk show but filming is on hold for the coming weeks.

Kelly was married to Brandon Blackstock from 2013 until 2022 and he died in August following a battle with cancer (Image: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

A source told UsWeekly : “It has been draining, exhausting, emotional [and] devastating A big part of it was making her schedule available for transporting the children to visit Brandon, and all of the emotions that came with this difficult time. Kelly is a workhorse.

“Hard work is all she knows. She hates disappointing people, truly. The thing that kept her going was knowing how many people depend on her, like her crews and employees. Her kids come first, and she will find a way.”

According to the insider, Kelly will make a comeback to her NBC television show at some point in the fall.

A representative for the family told PEOPLE in a statement that Brandon had been diagnosed with cancer over three years ago. They said in a statement: “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away.”Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years. He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”