Kelly Clarkson Explains Her Name Change, Says It's 'Too Late' to Go by Kelly Brianne

Kelly Clarkson is setting the record straight.

Last month, it was reported the 39-year-old performer had filed the documents for a legal name change, petitioning to be known by her first and middle names – Kelly Brianne – moving forward.

But in an interview with People (the TV Show!) at the premiere of American Song Contest, Kelly clarified why she made the change.

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

She quipped, “I don’t think I can change Clarkson at this point. I’m 20 years in!”

The “Since U Been Gone” performer was formerly married to Brandon Blackstock, but she never used her married name professionally. The pair’s divorce was finalized earlier this month, with Kelly to give her ex a one time payment of over $1.3 million.

Find out more details about their settlement here.