Kelly Clarkson is someone you might want to have beer or a cup of coffee with. The girl is so real -- it's almost unbelievable that a singer with Clarkson's mega-success has remained down-to-earth.  

I have followed Kelly Clarkson's career, from her win on American Idol 18 years ago, to her current status as a judge on the Voice, a fill-in for Simon Cowell on America's Got Talent and as the host of her award-winning daytime talker "The Kelly Clarkson Show." Clarkson is a natural empath and seems to bring out the best in people. On top of this, Clarkson is arguably one of the best contemporary singer/songwriters around. 

Performing on American Idol, Clarkson was a 20-year-old waitress fresh out of Fort Worth, Texas. I remember watching and thinking "what a set of pipes!" Although she didn't seem to have the brashness of some of the other contestants, she had a personality that was relatable.

Over the past 18 years,  a series of projects have garnered the singer one award after another. Clarkson holds three Grammy Awards, three MTV Video Music Awards, two Academy of Country Music Awards, four American Music Awards and a Daytime Emmy Award -- and remains humble.

When COVID-19 hit, Clarkson was safely ensconced ( or so she thought) at her rural Montana ranch with her 2 children Remington (3) and River rose (4)and husband Brandon Blackstock, 43, who acts as her manager. Blackstone is the stepson of country legend Reba McIntire. Clarkson is also stepmother to Blackstock's two children from his previous marriage. 

Perhaps it was the stress of being around each other for months on end.  And rumors were circulating that all was not as it seemed to be with the Blackstocks, who had been married for 7 years. Who knows what really goes on behind closed doors?

However, when I read that Clarkson had taken her children and moved abruptly back to LA, I thought, "There's gotta be a pretty good reason for this." In the midst of the pandemic, the singer had taken to the air waves "au natural," that is, with no makeup and DIY hair. I think the look suited her and brought out her natural beauty. 

When Clarkson sang this version of Aretha Franklin's "Chain of Fools" which I thought was stunning, some speculated the visceral pain on her face could have resulted  from her husband having an affair. But the only people who need to know are Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock. Another possibility is that Blackstock preferred the quietness of the couples' ranch to the fast pace of Hollywood. 

Regardless of their personal issues, Blackstock stays on as Clarkson's manager. Clarkson seems more in control to me than ever before. It says a lot for her that when she won her Daytime Emmy, she immediately thanked her husband. She has evolved into the best version of herself.

Clarkson will return to host the 2020 Billboard Music Awards on October 14.