Piece by Piece Kelly Clarkson is scoring small victories in her legal battle against Brandon Blackstock.
The “American Idol” alum’s ex husband was ordered to return the millions he allegedly overcharged the singer while booking gigs on her behalf, according to legal documents obtained by TMZ.
A California labor commissioner ruled that Blackstock, 46, “crossed the line” when he booked jobs for the 41-year-old talk show host as her manager, a duty that is technically usually reserved for agents, and must hand over $2,641,374 back to Clarkson.
In December 2020, Clarkson alleged that Blackstock acted fraudulently as her manager. But Blackstock denied defrauding his estranged wife out of millions at the time.
The gigs and completed contracts for which Blackstock took home a hefty salary include booking Clarkson as a judge on “The Voice,” in ads for Norwegian Cruise Line and Wayfair, and hosting the Billboard Music Awards.
According to the outlet, Blackstock earned commissions worth $1.98 million for booking Clarkson on “The Voice,” and only a measly $93.30 in commission for scoring her a hosting gig on the Billboard Music Awards.
The “Breakaway” singer also sought to recoup funds that Blackstock earned for securing “The Kelly Clarkson Show” contract, but a judge ruled that he does not have to return the money
Clarkson filed for divorce from Blackstock in June 2020 after nearly seven years of marriage.
Their two children, River Rose, 9, and Remington, 7, moved in with the Grammy award-winning artist when she was awarded primary custody in March 2022.
In 2021, after a long battle, Clarkson was also awarded the couple’s Montana ranch.
Lawyers for Blackstock originally argued that the ranch was “marital property” and should be shared equally between the two.
The judge, however, disagreed after it was noted that it was Clarkson who paid for the $10.4 million property.
“The Court further finds that the Montana Ranch and the other two Montana properties are not titled in both of the Parties’ names either as joint tenants with right of survivorship or as tenants by the entireties, as required under the PMA to create marital property,” read the decision in documents obtained by E! News.
Clarkson currently pays Blackstock $45k a month in spousal support.
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