Sterling K. Brown Touches Kelly Clarkson with Emotional Name Story

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Actor Sterling K. Brown brought a wave of emotion to “The Kelly Clarkson Show” on April 7 when he revealed the poignant reason behind his name change from Kelby to Sterling.

The 49-year-old star, known for his roles in “This Is Us” and “Black Panther,” shared a personal story that resonated with Clarkson and the audience. Brown explained that he initially used his middle name, Kelby, until he turned 16 because he wanted a name that felt uniquely his. “Sterling was an old man’s name,” he said. “I went by my middle name until I was 16 years old.”

However, Brown’s perception of his name shifted dramatically after the death of his father at age 10. “Because [my dad] passed away when I was 10, by the time I turned 16 and I hadn’t heard his name for five, five-and-a-half years, I was like, I kinda just wanna hear that name again. So I asked people to call me Sterling,” he shared, visibly moved.

As Brown spoke, Clarkson, 42, appeared to be fighting back tears. The camera caught her emotional reaction, prompting her to express, “That was so sweet and beautiful,” before taking a moment to compose herself.

In a moment of shared vulnerability, Brown averted his gaze from the camera as well, telling Clarkson, “It’s all good.” Both personalities momentarily embraced the emotional weight of the conversation.

Clarkson, reflecting on her personal experiences, revealed that her son had also chosen to use his middle name in an unexpected moment. “My son did this at a red carpet. He said his name was Remington Alexander,” she recalled, explaining how her son switched names on the spot, further illustrating her own family’s relationship with names.

The heartwarming exchange resonated with viewers, with many taking to social media to express their feelings. Comments ranged from” “Kelly is such a sweet person” to “It made my eyes well up immediately.” One viewer remarked, “I literally shed a tear so unexpectedly.”

The Kelly Clarkson Show airs weekdays, providing a platform for emotional storytelling and candid discussions with celebrity guests.