Kelly Clarkson’s Future on The Kelly Clarkson Show: Is She Shifting Focus to Music?

As the expiration of Kelly Clarkson’s NBCUniversal contract approaches next year, rumors have been swirling about whether she will continue hosting The Kelly Clarkson Show. While Clarkson has not directly addressed the speculation, recent reports and insider information suggest that the Grammy-winning artist may be contemplating a change of pace, possibly stepping away from daytime television to focus on her music career.

Speculation About Clarkson’s Future

Rumors began circulating in May regarding Clarkson’s potential departure from her talk show, especially after a source revealed to People that Clarkson is considering taking a break from TV to devote more time to her music. The source shared, “She very much loves music though and would love to create new music,” adding that daytime television has been demanding for Clarkson, and she is thinking of shifting her focus once her contract ends.

“Daytime TV is still demanding. She’s thinking that she might need a shift next year when her contract is up,” the source continued. Despite the rumors, the source also noted that Clarkson “still has time to figure out what’s best for her career and family,” emphasizing that she’s never been one to rush into decisions.

Balancing Family, Music, and TV

Clarkson launched The Kelly Clarkson Show in 2019, which quickly gained popularity for its light-hearted and personal format. The show gave her the chance to connect with audiences and showcase her talents beyond music. In 2023, she made the move from Los Angeles to New York City to continue the show, marking a new chapter in her professional and personal life.

However, the demands of TV hosting have also made it challenging to strike a balance between work and family. Clarkson shares two children—11-year-old daughter River and 9-year-old son Remy—with her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock. After their divorce in 2020 and its finalization in 2022, Clarkson has prioritized maintaining a balanced lifestyle and avoiding burnout.

Clarkson’s Health and Personal Struggles

In March 2025, Clarkson missed several episodes of her show due to a personal matter, prompting guest hosts such as Simu Liu, Brooke Shields, and Willie Geist to fill in. She returned to the show on March 18, just in time to celebrate the milestone 1,000th episode two days later. This brief absence raised questions about her well-being and whether the pressures of hosting the show, along with her other commitments, were taking a toll on her health.

Inside Sources and Controversy: Hoda Kotb as a Potential Replacement?

Amid the rumors, an anonymous producer spoke to The Daily Mail, claiming that Clarkson’s departure could be imminent. The producer commented, “Everyone loves Kelly. She’s a wonderful person. But maybe Hoda [Kotb] would be a better boss. I know she’s universally beloved and respected by her former coworkers. Maybe she would be good.” This sparked additional speculation about Hoda Kotb potentially taking over the role, although Kotb herself has denied the rumors and expressed no intention of replacing Clarkson.

What’s Next for Clarkson?

As Clarkson’s hosting future remains uncertain, the show has continued to expand her reach. The Kelly Clarkson Show has announced a series of primetime specials titled Songs & Stories with Kelly Clarkson, premiering on August 19 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. The specials will feature Clarkson engaging with major stars like Gloria Estefan, the Jonas Brothers, Lizzo, and Teddy Swims, offering a glimpse into their personal lives and careers.

While the future of her talk show remains up in the air, Clarkson’s continued passion for music has been clear, especially with the release of her new single, “Where Have You Been,” in May. With her successful career in music and television, Clarkson is likely to continue evolving her career in a way that balances her various talents and personal priorities.

Clarkson’s Next Chapter

As Clarkson navigates her future, whether it involves continuing with The Kelly Clarkson Show or focusing more on music, one thing is clear: she’s not afraid to change direction when it feels right for her. Her fans will no doubt continue to support her in whatever she chooses to pursue next, whether that be more TV specials, music, or a potential shift in focus. For now, Songs & Stories with Kelly Clarkson promises to keep her in the spotlight, giving fans an intimate look at her passions and the incredible people she admires.