Drew Barrymore defeats Kelly Clarkson at Daytime Emmys

Drew’s big Emmy breakthrough

Drew Barrymore finally had her shining moment at the 2025 Daytime Emmy Awards, taking home the trophy for Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host for The Drew Barrymore Show. The actress-turned-host celebrated the milestone with her fans online, calling it a dream come true.

Expressing heartfelt gratitude to her team and loyal viewers for supporting her throughout her journey. It was a proud moment that reflected her genuine spirit and the love her audience continues to show.

Kelly Clarkson’s streak ends

Kelly Clarkson, the longtime favorite at the Daytime Emmys, saw her winning streak come to an end this year. After dominating for five straight years, she walked away without a trophy for the first time since launching her show.

The loss surprised fans who have watched The Kelly Clarkson Show become a daytime staple. Kelly’s mix of humor, heart, and powerhouse performances made her a tough competitor. But in 2025, the spotlight shifted, proving how unpredictable and competitive the talk show landscape has become.

Drew connects through real emotion

Drew Barrymore’s charm lies in her ability to connect. On her show, she listens deeply, laughs easily, and often tears up with guests, creating moments that feel real and unscripted.

That sincerity has turned her talk show into something special, part interview, part therapy session, part friendly chat. Viewers see someone who’s lived through the highs and lows of fame yet remains genuinely human.

A heartfelt night in Pasadena

The 2025 Daytime Emmy Awards took place on October 17 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California, hosted by Mario Lopez.

The ceremony mixed Hollywood glamour with heartfelt moments as Drew Barrymore accepted her award with visible gratitude, proof that even in a room full of stars, authenticity still shines.

Kelly’s years of dominance

Before this year’s shake-up, Kelly Clarkson ruled daytime television. The Kelly Clarkson Show had been the show to beat, winning Outstanding Daytime Talk Series for four consecutive years.

Her easy rapport with guests, musical segments, and genuine sense of humor set her apart. Kelly made viewers feel like they were part of her world, a space filled with positivity and heart. Though her streak ended, her legacy as one of daytime’s most beloved hosts remains unshaken.

Kelly and Mark steal the spotlight

While Kelly Clarkson didn’t take home the big award, Live With Kelly and Mark grabbed Outstanding Daytime Talk Series. Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos celebrated the win with excitement, marking another highlight for the long-running franchise.

The victory ended Clarkson’s four-year hold on the title and proved that fresh chemistry and familiarity can still charm audiences. Viewers praised the couple’s energy and teamwork, calling their dynamic “relatable and fun.”

The Drew Barrymore Show’s triple win

Drew Barrymore didn’t just win for hosting; her show collected three trophies in total. The Drew Barrymore Show also took home awards for Best Directing Team and Best Hairstyling/Makeup. These wins highlighted the creative power behind Drew’s success.

Her show’s cozy set design, thoughtful editing, and authentic tone make it stand out from other talk shows. The triple win proved that Drew’s brand of emotional storytelling and production excellence continues to resonate with audiences and Emmy voters alike.

Drew’s journey to the top

Drew Barrymore’s Emmy win feels like the closing of one chapter and the start of another. From her childhood fame in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial to her ups and downs in Hollywood, she’s grown into one of America’s most relatable stars.

Now, as a talk show host, Drew has reinvented herself once again. Her journey shows the power of resilience and reinvention, a reminder that careers can evolve beautifully over time when led by heart and purpose.

Kelly’s graceful reaction

Kelly Clarkson handled her loss with her usual charm and humility. Rather than dwelling on the outcome, she celebrated the night and congratulated her fellow hosts on their wins.

Fans praised her graciousness online, noting that Kelly’s kindness never depends on victory. Her positive spirit and authenticity continue to make her one of the most loved figures on television. Even without a trophy, Kelly’s warmth and humor still light up screens across America.

General Hospital’s record wins

While talk shows grabbed headlines, General Hospital quietly dominated the evening. The legendary soap opera earned seven awards, the highest of the night.

The wins reinforced the show’s reputation as a daytime powerhouse. After decades on air, its blend of drama, romance, and emotional storytelling continues to capture hearts. General Hospital’s enduring success proves that daytime television still thrives on compelling narratives.

Entertainment Tonight keeps its lead

Entertainment Tonight continued its award streak, winning Outstanding Entertainment News Series for the sixth consecutive year. The show’s host team also took home Outstanding Daytime Personality Daily.

Their consistent success highlights the show’s ability to evolve while keeping entertainment reporting fresh and credible. After four decades on air, ET still delivers red carpet moments, celebrity exclusives, and human-interest stories that resonate with viewers everywhere.

Sir David Attenborough honored

At nearly 100 years old, Sir David Attenborough proved he’s still one of television’s most respected voices. He won Outstanding Daytime Personality – Non-Daily for Secret Lives of Orangutans on Netflix.

His gentle narration and deep respect for nature have inspired generations. The award celebrated not just his career but his lifelong dedication to education and conservation, an inspiring moment that drew one of the night’s biggest standing ovations.

Selena Gomez’s Emmy hopes continue

Selena Gomez earned another nomination for Selena + Restaurant on Food Network. Though she didn’t win, fans applauded her for branching out beyond music and acting.

Her series gives viewers an inside look at her cooking adventures with top chefs. While she’s yet to secure an Emmy win, Selena’s continued recognition shows her steady rise in the television world. With each nomination, she proves her creative range and commitment to authentic storytelling.

Major media brands recognized

Big names in entertainment journalism also earned nominations this year. Billboard, Variety, and The Hollywood Reporter were all recognized for their digital programs.

Although none took home trophies, their inclusion reflected how digital storytelling is reshaping television. From celebrity interviews to industry insights, these outlets are pushing traditional media boundaries and connecting with modern audiences in new ways.

Remembering TV icons we lost

The ceremony’s In Memoriam segment honored television legends who passed away, including Phil Donahue, James Earl Jones, and Richard Simmons.

The moving tribute reminded viewers of the lasting impact these personalities had on entertainment. Their work shaped the foundation of daytime TV and inspired generations of hosts, producers, and audiences who continue to carry their influence forward.

Streaming changes the game

For the first time in years, the Daytime Emmys didn’t air on CBS. Instead, they streamed live on watch.theemmys.tv and the official Emmys app.

The switch reflected the industry’s shift toward digital viewing, making it easier for fans to watch from anywhere. By embracing streaming, the Emmys reached new audiences, especially younger viewers who prefer mobile and online platforms over traditional cable.

Want more binge-worthy picks? Dive into Reese Witherspoon’s standout streaming projects.

A new chapter for Drew Barrymore

For Drew Barrymore, this Emmy win marked a personal and professional triumph. It celebrated not only her show’s success but also her evolution as an entertainer. From child star to talk show favorite, Drew has proven that growth never stops.

Her journey is a reminder that authenticity, hard work, and heart can take you anywhere, even back to the top, decades after your first big break. The 2025 Daytime Emmys cemented her place among television’s brightest stars.

Drew’s next move might surprise fans; she’s reuniting with Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston for a cult classic remake on the horizon.

Drew’s big win over Kelly Clarkson has fans talking. Whose talk show do you tune into most? Share your thoughts in comments!

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.