Kelly Clarkson just confirmed what’s next for her talk show

Kelly Clarkson Confirms Her Talk Show Return

Kelly Clarkson confirmed that The Kelly Clarkson Show will return for Season 7 in September 2025. She announced a video montage on Instagram featuring highlights from the past six seasons, ending speculation about her departure.

The post came after months of uncertainty following her sudden absences during the spring. Fans had begun to worry the show might end. The return announcement provided clarity about Clarkson’s next steps while giving viewers a preview of what’s coming in the next season.

Season 6 Ended During a Period of Uncertainty

Season 6 ended on June 25, 2025, following Clarkson’s absence from ten episodes between March and April. Guest hosts filled in, including Simu Liu on March 3, Willie Geist on March 12, and Molly Sims on March 13 and 14.

Clarkson briefly returned during this time, but her absence sparked rumors. NBCUniversal did not issue a specific explanation. The show had previously been renewed through 2025, but no update about future seasons had been made until Clarkson’s Instagram video post in July.

Move to New York Changed the Show’s Direction

Before Season 5, the show relocated from Universal Studios in California to 30 Rockefeller Plaza in Midtown Manhattan. Clarkson requested the move due to personal issues, including concerns about her mental health and her ability to remain in Los Angeles.

NBC supported the relocation. Clarkson publicly thanked them during her 2024 Daytime Emmy speech. She noted that the change had a positive impact on her family and her team. The move also aligned with her growing interest in Broadway and creative projects based in New York.

Contractual Terms Created Long-Term Questions

Clarkson is under contract with NBC Universal to continue hosting The Kelly Clarkson Show through the end of 2026. As of July 2025, she has not announced whether she will renew the contract.

Her recent statements and scheduling changes have caused concern among staff about the show’s future. Reports indicate that Clarkson has had emotional breakdowns over the potential impact her exit may have on employees whose jobs depend on the show continuing beyond her current agreement.

On-Stage Remarks Pointed Toward Frustration

On May 9, 2025, during a concert in Atlantic City, Clarkson told the audience, “We haven’t done a [singing] show in a while, y’all, ’cause I have a talk show… It’s like a whole other job.”

This public remark was viewed by fans and colleagues as a signal that Clarkson was growing frustrated with the demands of balancing two careers. It also matched the growing speculation that her focus may shift more heavily back to music once her contract ends in 2026.

Clarkson’s Struggles Affected Production Dynamics

After publicly expressing frustration with her workload at the May 9, 2025 concert, Clarkson also experienced emotional breakdowns on set. According to one staff member, she was concerned that leaving the show might cost other people their jobs.

The staffer said, “She made it very clear that she doesn’t want her decisions to affect all of our livelihoods,” but added, “It’s a bit late for that now.” This internal tension increased uncertainty across the production team as Clarkson weighed her future commitments.

Staff Response to Clarkson’s Public Statements

Clarkson’s absences and public remarks caused concern among staff. One employee said, “When she says things publicly, it makes the public feel like she doesn’t want to be here.”

Others shared concerns that her comments might reduce viewer interest and weaken staff morale. They said Clarkson had expressed worry about impacting jobs but felt her actions and tone created confusion. The mood inside the production became uncertain heading into the Season 6 finale.

Season 7 Announcement Brought Relief

The June 2025 announcement of a seventh season helped ease concerns. Clarkson’s Instagram video featured a montage of moments from the past six seasons, confirming the show would continue into fall 2025.

The video showed behind-the-scenes clips, musical performances, and emotional guest segments. Fans reacted positively, saying the announcement made them emotional. While the future beyond Season 7 remains uncertain, the post was the first confirmation that Clarkson would return to host new episodes starting in September.

A-List Guests Were Key to the Show’s Identity

Throughout its six seasons, The Kelly Clarkson Show has hosted major celebrities, including Dwayne Johnson, Cher, Steve Martin, Reese Witherspoon, and Chris Evans.

Anna Kendrick appeared and commented on the crowd’s energy, saying, “This crowd!” One notable episode featured Jack Black meeting Tanner Smith from Love on the Spectrum. That moment was widely shared online and became one of the show’s most talked-about segments.

Songs and Stories Added Musical Insight

The “Songs and Stories” segment highlighted artist interviews about the inspiration behind their music. Artists featured included the Jonas Brothers, Teddy Swims, and Jelly Roll.

During his appearance, Jelly Roll told Clarkson, “Ms. Clarkson, I’ve always wanted to get on the show. I’m a fan. I’ve always wanted to get on this couch.” The segment served as a complement to Clarkson’s “Kellyoke” covers by giving fans more depth on artists’ work.

Kellyoke Became a Central Feature

“Kellyoke” became one of the most well-known parts of the show. Clarkson performed covers of songs like “9 to 5,” “abcdefu,” and “Happier Than Ever.” Her covers often featured new arrangements or lyric changes related to her own life.

On November 19, 2024, she performed a moody version of “If I Only Had a Brain,” and on April 5, 2024, she sang “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” On April 18, 2024, she performed “Remember Me” from Coco in English and Spanish.

Clarkson Pursued a Broadway Project

In early 2023, Clarkson told Nancy O’Dell in a talkshoplive interview that she had been writing a Broadway show for a year and a half. She said she might appear in the project, but was mostly involved as a writer and producer.

Her move to New York was partly to support this work. She said she loves Broadway and wanted her children to settle into the city. In 2012, she had performed “My Man” from Funny Girl at Radio City Music Hall.

Daytime Emmy Recognition and Statement

On June 7, 2024, at the 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, The Kelly Clarkson Show won Outstanding Daytime Talk Series for the fourth consecutive year. The ceremony was held at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles.

Clarkson thanked NBC for supporting her request to move the show to New York. She said her personal life in Los Angeles was not sustainable. She credited the relocation with improving life for her, her family, and her team working on the show.

Toxic Workplace Allegations in 2023

In May 2023, Rolling Stone published claims from one current and ten former staff members about toxic conditions on The Kelly Clarkson Show. They described being overworked, underpaid, and facing harassment and bullying from producers.

Clarkson said she was unaware of the complaints and committed to improving the workplace. She said leadership training would be implemented for senior staff, including herself. NBC and Clarkson also decided to move the show to New York in part as a response.

Public Praise for Makeup-Free Appearances

On June 7, 2025, Clarkson appeared makeup-free in a TikTok video while doing wardrobe fittings with stylist Micaela Erlanger. She wore a white Blondie T-shirt and black beanie and discussed choosing comfortable clothes like white sneakers.

In July 2024, she posted a no-makeup selfie video from Paris while preparing for NBC Olympic coverage. She wore a Ralph Lauren Team USA blazer. Fans responded positively to both appearances, calling her real and thanking her for showing her true self.

Kelly shared her co-parenting journey three months ago. Don’t miss Kelly Clarkson opens up on post-divorce parenting.

Future Beyond Season 7 Remains Open

Clarkson’s Las Vegas residency was postponed due to vocal strain, with rescheduled performances expected to begin later in 2025. She has not released a new album since 2023, and her public statements have indicated a desire to return to music after finishing her television commitments.

Her contract for The Kelly Clarkson Show runs through the end of 2026. As of July 2025, she has not confirmed whether she will extend the contract. A staff member said Clarkson does not want her decision to negatively affect anyone’s job.

Kelly has been off her talk show since early March amid vocal and personal challenges. See Why is Kelly Clarkson missing from her show?

What do you think about Kelly’s next move? Drop your thoughts in the comments.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.