Kelly Clarkson has returned to social media, one month after her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock's death.

The Because of You singer broke her social-media silence by taking to Instagram to mark the anniversary of her American Idol win.

"To everyone that took time 23 years ago to call in and vote for me, thank you 🙏 Winning 'American Idol' changed my life and I will be forever grateful for all of you that have supported me for so many years," Kelly, 43, captioned the post, which featured a still photo of herself immediately after winning the TV singing competition in 2002.

"It is a gift to find your purpose and passion, and to be able to make a living doing it is the cherry on top. Thank you, always."

It was Kelly's first post on the account since early August, when she cancelled a Las Vegas performance - one day before the death of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock.

"While I normally keep my personal life private, this past year, my children's father has been ill and at this moment, I need to be fully present for them," she explained at the time.

Kelly and Brandon shared daughter River, 11, and son Remington, 9.

Brandon, who had worked as Kelly's talent manager when they were still a couple, died aged 48 on 7 August after a years-long battle with cancer.