One American Idol alum is helping out another. Jennifer Hudson is stepping in for Kelly Clarkson as a coach on the upcoming Season 29 of NBC’s The Voice following the death of Clarkson’s ex-husband Brandon Blackstock earlier this month.

Kelly Clarkson was struggling to get through her residency show in the days leading up to her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock’s shocking death. The singer, 43, broke down crying during her July 26 Las Vegas Studio Session residency concert while introducing fans to an updated version of her song “Piece by Piece.”

Clarkson will appear on the upcoming "Battle of Champions" season of the NBC singing competition series alongside Adam Levine and John Legend

Fellow "American Idol" alum Jennifer Hudson temporarily filled in for Clarkson following her ex-husband's death. Kelly Clarkson is returning to The Voice after taking a brief absence from the reality singing competition following the death of her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock.

Ending the summer of 2025 on a high note, the four-episode-long NBC special features Kelly Clarkson shining her spotlight on four different artists that mean a lot to her, giving music lovers a front-row pass to their unfiltered conversations and exclusive performances together.

Singer turned talk-show host Kelly Clarkson sings a rendition of the 2006 hit with the band during an appearance on 'Songs & Stories with Kelly Clarkson,' airing Aug. 19.

An obituary for the late talent manager revealed that Blackstock was “building a life” with Clarkson’s former assistant, Brittney Marie Jones, as he lost his battle with cancer.

RELATED: RELATED: Carson Daly Just Hilariously Eviscerated Blake Shelton Over a Pic for His New Song Nick said this was also when he was filming The Voice, and he hobbled on set with a cane. "Blake thought I was being dramatic,” Nick deadpanned.

Kelly Clarkson's ex-husband, from whom she filed for divorce in June 2020 citing "irreconcilable differences" died earlier this month.

Is 'The Kelly Clarkson Show' Returning? first appeared on Parade on Aug 20, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 20, 2025, where it first appeared.

In addition, Clarkson appeared in pre-taped episodes of the new summer series, Song & Stories. People reported that she starred in the first episodes of the new NBC limited series, which will include guest stars Gloria Estefan, the Jonas Brothers, Lizzo, and Teddy Swims.