Kelly Clarkson Steps Back — But Who’s Stepping In Next?
The Kelly Clarkson Show is continuing with its rotation of high-profile guest hosts this week as the Emmy-winning talk show host extends her absence from the program. Actress and model Brooke Shields is stepping into Clarkson’s role for Monday and Tuesday’s episodes, followed by Sunday Today anchor Willie Geist on Wednesday, with model and actress Molly Sims closing out the week on Thursday and Friday.
Clarkson has not publicly addressed her absence, which began in late February, leaving fans to speculate about the reasons behind her extended break from the popular NBC daytime program. The show has previously featured guest hosts including actor Simu Liu, comedians Roy Wood Jr. and Wanda Sykes, and singer Josh Groban, according to Hello Magazine.
During his hosting stint last week, Liu addressed the situation directly at the start of the show, saying: “Before we get things started, I do have a confession to make. I am not…Kelly Clarkson. I know this may shock many of you. But Kelly was not able to make it today, we’re sending her our very best.”
Departure Rumors Gain Traction
As Clarkson’s absence continues, industry insiders have begun suggesting her break could be a prelude to a more permanent departure from the daytime talk circuit. Sources speaking to PopCrush claim the American Idol winner is considering stepping away from her show entirely to prioritize time with her children, River Rose, 10, and Remington, 8.
“Kelly’s No. 1 priority is her children, and they always will be,” an insider reportedly told Page Six. “The show is grueling. It’s a whole lot of work and I hear that Kelly would like to spend more time down South,” the source added, referring to Clarkson’s desire to potentially relocate from New York City, where the show moved in 2023 after four seasons in Los Angeles.
The Daytime Emmy-winning NBC talk show is currently in its sixth season, with a dedicated studio built at NBC’s Rockefeller Center specifically to house the production after its relocation from the West Coast. Despite the significant investment in the New York facilities, sources suggest Clarkson may be reconsidering her demanding schedule.
Kelly Clarkson performs Foo Fighters song 'Learn to Fly' during a recent Kellyoke segment on 'The Kelly Clarkson Show.'
— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) April 4, 2025
Listen ⤵ https://t.co/Iqpzmccvz1
Fans Rally Behind Host’s Decision
As speculation continues, fans have taken to social media to express support for Clarkson, defending her right to take time off without public explanation. Comments like “Have missed Kelly on the show recently, hope she is well and enjoying her well-deserved break” and “Kelly is allowed to have or need time off y’all lol let her be” have dominated online discussions of her absence.
The talk show’s upcoming episodes promise a lineup of high-profile guests despite Clarkson’s absence, including The White Lotus star Patrick Schwarzenegger, Amanda Seyfried, Smokey Robinson, Simone Ashley, Joshua Jackson, Michael Fassbender, and the four winners from the latest season of The Traitors.
Potential Permanent Replacements
If Clarkson does decide to permanently exit her talk show, speculation about potential replacements has already begun. Industry observers have suggested several music stars could step into the role, with pop duo Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco, singers Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj, producer Charlie Puth, or the couple Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani among the suggested possibilities.
Clarkson’s ability to balance her talk show responsibilities with her music career and family life has been a topic of discussion since the program’s 2019 launch. In a recent interview with the Associated Press, Clarkson noted that one of her favorite aspects of living in New York was the ability to maintain some anonymity, saying, “I get away with leading a pretty normal average life, and I don’t think a lot of people in the limelight get that.”
NBC has not officially commented on Clarkson’s extended absence or the rumors of her potential departure, though sources indicate the network is eager to keep the popular host in place. As the rotation of guest hosts continues, viewers and industry observers alike are watching closely for any official announcement regarding Clarkson’s future with the program.
