Kelly Clarkson is stepping away from daytime television.
The decision comes as she navigates one of the most challenging periods of her life—prioritizing her two children following the death of their father just six months ago.
On Monday, February 2nd, Clarkson and NBCUniversal announced that The Kelly Clarkson Show will conclude after its seventh season this fall.
After seven seasons, 24 Daytime Emmy Awards, and countless “Kellyoke” performances that reminded everyone why she won American Idol in the first place, Clarkson is closing this chapter to focus on what matters most.
A Decision Rooted in Family
Clarkson made the announcement via Instagram, explaining that the choice wasn’t easy but felt absolutely necessary.
Stepping away from the daily schedule will allow me to prioritize my kids, which feels necessary and right for this next chapter of our lives.
She shares two children—daughter River, 11, and son Remington, 9—with her former husband and manager Brandon Blackstock, who passed away from melanoma in August 2024 at just 48 years old.
The day before Blackstock’s death, Clarkson postponed her Las Vegas residency. At the time, she told fans she needed to be “fully present” for her children as their father battled illness.
Seven Seasons of Success and Soul
The Kelly Clarkson Show premiered in 2019 and quickly became a daytime powerhouse, racking up impressive accolades over its run.
The show earned 24 Daytime Emmy Awards, including four wins for best daytime talk series and four for Clarkson herself as best talk show host. As a producer, she claimed both honors multiple times.
Clarkson dominated the Daytime Emmys during the show’s first five seasons, winning in at least one major category each year—and sweeping both categories three times. Last season marked the first time she went home empty-handed.
The show averages about 1.2 million same-day viewers in syndication, typically ranking third among syndicated daytime talk shows—a testament to its staying power in an increasingly fragmented media landscape.
Mental Health and Major Moves
Clarkson has been remarkably candid about her personal struggles throughout the show’s run, particularly following her divorce from Blackstock.
In 2024, when accepting the Daytime Emmy for outstanding daytime talk series, she opened up about convincing NBC to relocate production from Los Angeles to New York—a move that proved transformative for her mental health and family life.
The fact that NBC, a huge company, took time and listened when I said ‘Hey, my life is not going super great. I don’t know if I can live here [in L.A.] anymore. I don’t know if I can do this.’ And they really wrapped their arms around us and they helped us move.
She praised the network for prioritizing mental health over profit margins.
It takes a lot of time and money and effort to do that. It is not unnoticed. I just want to say thank you for thinking of mental health as well as, you know, a product.
The “Kellyoke” Legacy
If there’s one segment that defined The Kelly Clarkson Show, it’s “Kellyoke”—the opening feature where Clarkson covered everything from classic rock to contemporary pop with her powerhouse vocals.
The segment gave fans a heightened appreciation for her range and artistry. She didn’t just stick to crowd-pleasers; she challenged herself and her audience with deep cuts and unexpected selections that showcased genuine musical curiosity.
These performances earned respect across the industry and reminded viewers why she’s remained relevant for over two decades.
From American Idol to Daytime Royalty
Clarkson first captured America’s heart as the inaugural winner of American Idol in 2002—a title she carries with pride to this day as one of the show’s most successful alumni.
Her chart dominance speaks for itself:
- Three No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100: “A Moment Like This” (2002), “My Life Would Suck Without You” (2009), and “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” (2011)
- Three No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200: Thankful (2003), All I Ever Wanted (2009), and Piece by Piece (2015)
- Three Grammy Awards, including two for best pop vocal album—making her one of only four artists to win twice in that category alongside Adele, Taylor Swift, and Lady Gaga
What’s Next for Kelly Clarkson
While the talk show chapter is closing, Clarkson made it clear this isn’t retirement.
This isn’t goodbye. I’ll still be making music, playing shows here and there and you may catch me on The Voice from time to time … you never know where I might show up next.
She’ll continue hosting through the remainder of the 2025-26 season, with guest hosts occasionally filling in. Production will wrap this fall as planned.
In her Instagram statement, Clarkson expressed deep gratitude for the journey.
I have been extremely fortunate to work with such an outstanding group of people at TKCS, both in Los Angeles and New York. There have been so many amazing moments and shows over these seven seasons. I am forever grateful and honored to have worked alongside the greatest band and crew you could hope for, all the talent and inspiring people who have shared their time and lives with us, all the fans who have supported our show and to NBC for always being such a supportive and incredible partner.
Prioritizing What Truly Matters
Clarkson’s decision underscores something often lost in celebrity culture: success means nothing if it costs you your family.
After navigating a difficult divorce, relocating her entire production across the country for mental health, and now facing the loss of her children’s father, she’s choosing presence over prominence.
It’s a reminder that even at the top of your game, sometimes the bravest thing you can do is step back.
Universal Television produces The Kelly Clarkson Show, with distribution handled by NBCUniversal Syndication Studios. Alex Duda serves as executive producer and showrunner.
For fans who’ve tuned in daily for seven years, the end will sting—but understanding the reasons makes it easier to support her choice.