Kelly Clarkson Breaks Her Silence About Why Her Talk Show Is Ending After 7 Seasons

After months of reports, the "American Idol" star has publicly addressed questions about her future, clarifying what comes next for her daytime talk show.

For months, reports and rumors have surrounded the future of "The Kelly Clarkson Show" (TKCS). Industry insiders and network chatter fueled questions while its host, Kelly Clarkson, remained publicly silent.

The uncertainty played out publicly as speculation continued without official confirmation.

Now, she has confirmed what earlier reporting suggested. Before Clarkson spoke publicly, outside reporting first raised questions about the show's direction.

Early Reports

On January 19, 2026, Page Six reported that the current season of "TKCS" would be its last after seven seasons on NBC. Multiple sources told the outlet that Clarkson would be stepping away at the end of the season.

One insider described her pending exit from daytime television as "definite," while another said it was "likely that it will not go on." Another source pointed to the demands of the format, "[Her show] is a lot to put on, and looking at the landscape across daytime television, it's not sustainable anymore."

As that report circulated, attention turned to what NBC might do if Clarkson left.

Who Could Take Over

In a May 2025 report, the New York Post said former "Today" host Hoda Kotb was among the candidates being considered to replace Clarkson if she stepped away from her daytime talk show.

"There's a long list of names and Hoda is part of that list," the source said, adding that NBC "never wanted Hoda to leave." The source also questioned whether Kotb would want the job.

At the time of the report last year, Clarkson was entering a busy stretch in her music career. She was preparing to release her ninth album in June under her own label.

She was also scheduled to begin a Las Vegas residency from July 4 to August 16, with additional shows planned from November 7 to November 15.

One source said those commitments could factor into her decision. "If the album doesn't do well, she might want to keep her talk show," the source said. "But she has a lot going on and the timing may be right for the next chapter."

According to the report, NBC executives were looking for a recognizable host with an existing following. A source said Kotb fit that profile.

The report also said NBC was considering several familiar faces who had previously filled in as guest host, including Josh Groban, Roy Wood Jr., Molly Sims, Wanda Sykes, and Willie Geist. Another source added that former "Today" weekend anchor Maria Shriver could also be under consideration.

Kotb, who joined NBC in 1998, was said to be well regarded by network executives. She stepped away from "Today" after seven years as co-host with Savannah Guthrie to spend more time with her daughters and work on her wellness brand. A source said the demanding schedule weighed on her family, with Kotb waking up at 3 a.m. for the show.

By comparison, a daytime talk show was described as easier to manage. "A talk show is good for a mom," the source said, explaining that the show typically tapes two episodes a day on a condensed schedule.

Just months later, Clarkson addressed the reports herself.

Kelly Clarkson Speaks Out

On February 2, 2026, Clarkson announced on Instagram in a lengthy statement that the current season would be her last hosting "TKCS."

In her post, she reflected on working with the show's teams in both Los Angeles and New York and described the experience as one filled with memorable moments over seven seasons.

She thanked the band, crew, guests, fans and NBC for their support. "Because of all of that, this was not an easy decision — but this season will be my last hosting TKCS," she wrote.

The announcement quickly prompted an outpouring of reactions on Instagram. "CAN YOU PLEASE RELEASE ALL YOUR COVERS AS A GOODBYE GIFT?? we will miss you!!!!!!" one commenter wrote. Another chimed in, "A full album of all your covers would be lovely!! ❤️"

Actor Nico Santos also commented, "You're an incredible host and we will miss your presence! Thanks for having me on the show! You and your crew were so welcoming and warm. Looking forward to your next chapter ❤️❤️❤️."

Her Reason for Stepping Away

In the same Instagram post, Clarkson explained that her decision to stop hosting the show was tied to her family.

She said stepping away from the daily schedule would allow her to focus more on her children, River and Remington, calling the change "necessary and right" for the next chapter of their lives.

Clarkson also made clear that she is not stepping away from entertainment entirely. She said she will continue making music, performing live when possible, and may appear on "The Voice" in the future. She added that this moment is not a goodbye, but a pause from daily television.

She ended by thanking viewers for supporting the show and allowing it to be part of their lives over seven seasons.

Clarkson's explanation prompted further reaction from fans online. On X, several fans responded positively to her decision. "Oh no! So incredibly happy for you for this difficult decision but it's the right one. You will be missed! Love your show!" an admirer said.

Someone else added, "Children are most important ❤️." Another wrote, "I'm so happy to see this. Not for the reasons you think, but for your children. With the passing of their father, you are the single most important and valuable person in their lives. Smile, and enjoy life with the kiddos 💕💕."

Clarkson's decision to step away from daytime television comes after a period of personal loss.

A Difficult Family Chapter

In August 2025, People reported that her ex-husband and former manager, Brandon Blackstock, died at age 48.

Blackstock, a talent manager and the former stepson of Reba McEntire, had battled cancer for more than three years. "He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family," a family representative said.

Earlier that month, Clarkson announced she was postponing her Las Vegas residency to spend time with her two children. "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," Clarkson wrote at the time, apologizing to fans and thanking them for their "grace, kindness and understanding."