Kelly Clarkson, the beloved pop icon known for her powerhouse vocals and chart-topping hits like “Since U Been Gone,” has ignited a firestorm of controversy after revealing her parenting style. The singer, who has sold over 25 million albums and 45 million singles worldwide, recently admitted that she isn’t opposed to spanking her children—a confession that has sparked outrage and divided her fanbase.
At 42, Clarkson has been hailed as one of pop music’s greatest voices, but her latest admission has cast a shadow over her stellar career. In a candid interview, she confessed, “I’m not above a spanking,” adding that it’s a disciplinary tactic she employs with her kids. This revelation sent shockwaves through social media, with users flocking to X (formerly Twitter) to express their dismay.
“Kelly Clarkson should’ve been canceled when she proudly admitted that she spanks her kids,” one furious user declared, adding, “I for one deleted all her music from my library when she said that.” Another echoed the sentiment, sharing, “I was spanked as a kid and it was traumatizing. I don’t even remember what I did wrong—I only remember being terrified.”
Critics argue that Clarkson’s approach is not only outdated but harmful. “You can’t hit someone and then teach them that hitting is wrong,” one user passionately argued. Another chimed in, “I can’t imagine hitting my kid, no matter how frustrating he’s being. Kids don’t have the reasoning and emotional regulation skills adults do.”
However, not everyone is up in arms. Some fans rushed to Clarkson’s defense, with one commenting, “There’s nothing wrong with that! It’s a way of giving discipline to kids in my culture.” Another added, “All I can say is I stole candy when I was a kid, got spanked, and then never did it again.”
Clarkson, who skyrocketed to fame as the first-ever winner of American Idol, shares two children with her ex-husband, talent manager Brandon Blackstock. Their marriage, which ended in a highly publicized and contentious divorce, left Clarkson with primary custody of their daughter River Rose and son Remington Alexander.
Despite the ongoing drama in her personal life, Clarkson has remained a devoted mother and candidly discusses the challenges of parenting. In a 2016 interview, she admitted, “I have a lot of mom guilt… There are days where I cry like, ‘I don’t know if I can handle all this!’ But at the end of the day, 99 percent of the time, it’s awesome and it’s worth it.”
Yet, it’s her stance on discipline that has truly set the internet ablaze. During a 2018 radio interview, Clarkson defended her approach, stating, “My parents spanked me, and I did fine in life, and I feel fine about it, and I do that as well.” She explained that she always warns her daughter before resorting to a spanking, and claims it has been an effective tool in curbing bad behavior.
But experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), strongly disagree. The AAP has long condemned the use of corporal punishment, citing evidence that spanking can increase aggression in children and may even hinder normal brain development. They advocate for alternative methods of discipline that are both safer and more effective.
As the debate rages on, Clarkson finds herself at the center of a cultural clash over parenting practices. Will her fans stand by her, or has she crossed a line that could impact her image and career? Only time will tell as the pop star navigates the fallout from her polarizing remarks.
