In a recent emotional episode of *The Kelly Clarkson Show*, actor Sterling K. Brown opened up about the poignant reason he stopped using his middle name, Kelby, which he had gone by until the age of 16. Currently starring in Hulu's *Paradise*, Brown shared a touching story that left both Clarkson and the audience visibly moved.

The conversation began when Kelly recounted an amusing incident involving her 8-year-old son, Remington (or Remy), who introduced himself using his middle name during the 2025 Grammy Awards. She said, “He just chose his middle name as his last—he changed his name right there in front of me!” This led Kelly to ask Sterling about his experience with his own name.

Sterling explained that he was named after his father, Sterling Brown Jr., and his grandfather, Sterling Brown Sr., “I wanted my own identity,” he reflected, noting that at 16, he felt Kelby was an “old man’s name.” However, the emotional twist came when he shared that his father passed away when he was only 10 years old. “By the time I turned 16, I hadn’t heard his name for five and a half years, and I just wanted to hear that name again,” he recalled, prompting him to request that others call him Sterling.

As Sterling spoke, tears welled up in Kelly’s eyes, showcasing a rare moment of vulnerability. "That was so sweet and beautiful," she remarked, with Sterling offering comfort in response. This heartfelt exchange resonated deeply with viewers, evidencing the powerful connections that names carry and the memories they evoke.

Fans of the show took to social media to express their emotions. “That took an extremely emotional turn,” one viewer noted, while others shared how unexpected and touching the moment was. The genuine connection between Kelly and Sterling highlighted not just their talents but also the human stories behind the names we carry.

This episode serves as a reminder of the stories we all have tied to our identities and the emotional weight they can hold. You can watch Sterling's revealing segment on *The Kelly Clarkson Show* and witness the sweet interaction that had everyone talking.

For anyone who has grappled with their identity or the legacy of their names, Sterling’s journey offers a touching perspective. It’s a beautiful reminder that names can be more than labels; they often hold deep emotional significance and personal history.