Kelly Clarkson Criticizes Schools for Planning Student Performances During School Hours
On the latest episode of Kylie Kelce’s “Not Gonna Lie” podcast, Kelly Clarkson opened up about the challenges of being a working mother.
In a teaser shared on Instagram on Wednesday, March 26, the 42-year-old Clarkson took the reins and questioned the timing of school performances scheduled during working hours.
“I’m not gonna lie. I don’t understand when school systems decided it was a good idea for families and their emotional well-being to hold performances at 10 a.m. on weekdays,” Clarkson said. “Just so you know, many of us have jobs. And it’s quite a surprise when you don’t get prior notice, leaving us scrambling to tell our workplaces, ‘Hey, I need to take the morning off to attend.’”
She further explained that even with advance notice, many employers might not allow time off, causing confusion among children whose parents cannot be present. “Many jobs wouldn’t allow that anyway,” she mentioned. “And even if you’re in a position of authority and can make that call, our kids just don’t understand. We end up appearing as absent parents.”
Regarding the teachers who wonder why some parents can attend while others can’t, Clarkson admitted that it’s a moment when she just raises her hands in surrender and acknowledges the reality of parenthood.
“Then they say, ‘Why was this mom there?’ and you have to respond, ‘Because that kid has a better mom.’ I don’t know,” Clarkson said honestly while Kelce, 33, burst into laughter.
Fans in the comments showered praise on Clarkson for her candidness and commended Kelce, who is expecting her fourth daughter, for the impressive lineup of guests on her podcast since it launched in December 2024.
“Honestly, Kylie invites the best guests to her podcast!!!” one fan commented.
“I agree with you, Kelly! Parents really do need advance notice to adjust their schedules. We should support parents in attending their kids’ events,” another added.
Additionally, more parents voiced their suggestions for school districts as well.
“Also, can we please not schedule a field trip that costs money and then have a book fair the following week 😂? That should be forbidden,” one mother added.
“And for the love of all that’s holy, please stop scheduling spirit weeks twice a month that require completely customized outfits every day,” another parent commented. “Us working moms are barely managing as it is.”
Clarkson, who is the host of her own eponymous daytime talk show, is a single mother to her two children, 10-year-old River Rose and 8-year-old Remington Alexander, whom she shares with her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock.
