Kelly Clarkson Says She’s Still Not Ready for Romance After Divorce: ‘I Need a Little More Work on Me’

During ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’ on Wednesday, the music powerhouse said “It feels powerful” to spend time with yourself

Kelly Clarkson attends an Audacy event in Newark, New Jersey on Oct. 14, 2023 .

Kelly Clarkson is enjoying the power of focusing on herself.

While hosting The Kelly Clarkson Show on Wednesday, the single superstar, 41, shared some insight on her personal life during an interview with guest Shannen Doherty, who is currently going through a divorce.

“I think I need a little more work on me in a relationship to make sure I take care of myself at the same time as somebody else,” said Clarkson, who has been divorced from music manager Brandon Blackstock since March 2022.

Clarkson shared how “hard” divorce can be because “you thought you were going to spend forever with this person,” though she proudly said she is “still in the stage of really enjoying me.”

Kelly Clarkson hosting ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’ on Dec. 20, 2023.

When Doherty, 52, brought up the comfort that her dogs provide her, Clarkson concurred, but admitted they used to not be allowed in the former couple’s bed, “cause it’s for fun… that kinda fun,” she laughed.

“But ever since I’ve been separated now divorced, my dogs have been ruling my bed. I think they would hate the next person who came in,” Clarkson added.

Clarkson and Blackstock, son of Narvel Blackstock and stepson of Reba McEntire, got engaged in 2012 and wed the following year. They welcomed two children during their marriage: daughter River Rose, 9, and son Remington “Remy” Alexander, 7.

The American Idol winner filed for divorce in 2020 and it was finalized two years later.

Shannen Doherty (left) and Kelly Clarkson on ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’ on Dec. 20, 2023.

In September, the superstar addressed her relationship status on an Instagram Live chat with fans following her appearance on the Today show.

“Do I have a boyfriend? No! And not looking,” Clarkson assured. “You know why? I love being single. I have two kids, two dogs, three rabbits, a hamster, multiple jobs — there’s a lot going on.”

Elsewhere in her chat with Doherty on Wednesday, Clarkson brought up some of the more emotional moments she has experienced, expanding on the support she feels from her dog, Henry.

“I would cry a lot — as you do when grief happens — Henry would come in and would force his head under my arm and just sit there with me. And I was like, ‘Is there a man like this around? Anybody?’ ”

“Also, I love me and I love spending time with me,” Clarkson noted. “It’s really great. It feels powerful!”