Kelly Clarkson, known for her candidness, recently found herself defending comments she made about the NFL’s coverage of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s rumored romance. Clarkson, 42, rose to fame after winning American Idol in 2002 and has since built a successful music and television career, now hosting The Kelly Clarkson Show.

On a recent episode, Clarkson voiced her opinion, expressing frustration that the NFL seemed to focus more on Swift than the actual football games. She didn’t criticize Swift herself but pointed out how the coverage veered into celebrity gossip rather than sports. Her comments sparked backlash online, with some accusing her of being dismissive of Swift’s popularity and influence. However, Clarkson stood by her statement, reiterating that her intention was to encourage more football-focused coverage rather than delve into personal celebrity lives.

Clarkson addressed the backlash head-on, clarifying that her comments weren’t meant as an attack on Taylor Swift or her fans. Instead, she emphasized that her main point was about keeping football broadcasts centered on the game itself. Fans and critics alike have debated the balance between celebrity coverage and sports, and Clarkson’s stance has added fuel to that conversation. Some viewers sided with her, echoing the sentiment that football games should remain about the sport, while others felt that Swift’s presence brought more visibility to the league.

While the debate rages on, Clarkson remains unapologetic, saying that as someone in the entertainment industry, she understands the appeal of celebrity news but believes in keeping sports broadcasts focused on the game. Ultimately, Kelly Clarkson’s willingness to speak her mind, even when it stirs controversy, continues to be one of the reasons fans admire her.