Lionel Richie performs grief exorcism on Kelly Clarkson after ex Brandon Blackstock’s death: ‘I can save you’

Kelly Clarkson let her viewers get a glimpse into her healing journey after the death of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock.

The “American Idol” winner unpacked her grief while sitting down with Lionel Richie to discuss his memoir “Truly” on her eponymous talk show Thursday.

“I do think a lot of people deal with grief in such a different way, but I love that you say, ‘Grief is the great teacher of what matters most,’” she told Richie, quoting from his book.

“And I think, no matter how you deal with grief, it is very different for everyone. But I do find that very, very true.”

Kelly Clarkson opened up about her grieving process after the death of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, on Thursday’s episode of her eponymous talk show. Instagram/@kellyclarkson

“I think, no matter how you deal with grief, it is very different for everyone,” Clarkson reflected during her conversation with Lionel Richie. The Kelly Clarkson Show

She went on to ask the current “American Idol” judge how he came to “figure that out,” to which he answered: “It’s a real moment where you can’t phone it in, but at the same time, we rehearse things.”

“You can’t rehearse grief. You can’t rehearse the loss of your mother or your father or a friend. You can’t rehearse that,” he continued, prompting Clarkson to add, “It hits you in waves.”

Richie, 76, continued, “What I found is that when I get involved with the word uncontrollable grief, I let go. Believe it or not, I look forward to finding out who am I going to be really ’cause that’s the real me. If it hurts so badly, that means you love so deeply.”

The former Commodores member then shocked Clarkson by hopping out of his seat and placing his hand on her forehead to perform a “grief exorcism.”

“I feel healed,” Clarkson joked.

“What I found is that when I get involved with the word uncontrollable grief, I let go,” Richie told Clarkson while promoting his memoir, “Truly.” The Kelly Clarkson Show

The “American Idol” judge then shocked Clarkson by perforing a “grief exorcism” on her. The Kelly Clarkson Show

Clarkson, 43, previously dropped another clue about her healing journey in August when she was seen strolling through LAX airport wearing a Le Stelle (The Star) Tarot Card pendant by Sorellina Jewelry.

The $22K pendant signifies hope, inspiration, positivity, renewal, healing and rejuvenation. According to the jewelry brand’s site, the Star card — which depicts a female kneeling amongst land, sea and stars — “shows us that even in the darkest of times, there will always come light.”

“It serves as a reminder to keep a renewed sense of hope during difficult periods and your courage will be rewarded,” the jewelry brand notes on its website.

Clarkson previously hinted at her healing journey in August when she was seen wearing a Tarot Card pendant necklace while walking through LAX. LionsShareNews / BACKGRID

Blackstock died in August at the age of 48 following a private, three-year battle with melanoma. Instagram/@kellyclarkson

“There’s a feeling of magic as she lets go of what no longer serves her to welcome in a new, peaceful chapter of life,” the description continues. “The ultimate message of the card is to dream big and open yourself to new ideas and opportunities.”

Blackstock died in August at the age of 48 following a private, three-year battle with melanoma.

Clarkson, who shares daughter River and son Remington with the ex-talent manager, was married to Blackstock from October 2013 until their contentious divorce in March 2022.

Prior to his death, the “Because of You” songstress stepped away from her daytime talk show and her Las Vegas residency to help care for him in his final days.

The “Stronger” hitmaker took time off from her Las Vegas Residency and her daytime talk show to help care for her ex in his final days. Instagram/@kellyclarkson

Clarkson welcomed two children with Blackstock — daughter River and son Remington — and was reportedly “devastated” for them after their father’s death. Instagram/@kellyclarkson

At the time of his death, the “Stronger” hitmaker reportedly felt “devastated” for their children.

“When she found out that he was sick, she remained protective of him for their sake,” a source told People, adding that Clarkson “always tried to keep things classy.”

“It became clear earlier this year that Brandon was not doing well,” they continued. “She’s been devastated for the kids.”