Kelly Clarkson is walking away from daytime TV and here’s why

Kelly Clarkson has confirmed she will step away from daytime television, announcing that The Kelly Clarkson Show will end after its current season.

The decision was revealed on Monday by Clarkson and NBCUniversal, with production on season seven continuing as planned and episodes set to air through the autumn.

In a statement, Clarkson said the choice came down to her children.

“Stepping away from the daily schedule will allow me to prioritise my kids, which feels necessary and right for this next chapter of our lives,” she said.

Clarkson is mother to daughter River, 11, and son Remington, 9, whom she shared with her former husband and manager Brandon Blackstock. Blackstock died from melanoma last year at the age of 48.

‘This was not an easy decision’

In a longer message shared on Instagram, Clarkson described the decision as emotionally difficult, thanking the show’s cast, crew and fans for their support over seven seasons.

“I have been extremely fortunate to work with such an outstanding group of people at TKCS, both in Los Angeles and New York,” she said. “There have been so many amazing moments and shows. Because of all of that, this was not an easy decision, but this season will be my last hosting TKCS.”

Clarkson stressed that the move does not mark a full retreat from the spotlight. She said she plans to continue making music, performing live and appearing on television, teasing that viewers may still see her on The Voice in the future.

A powerhouse daytime run

The Kelly Clarkson Show launched in 2019 and quickly became one of the most successful syndicated talk shows in the US. Across its run, the programme won 24 Daytime Emmy Awards, including four wins for outstanding daytime talk series and four awards for Clarkson as best talk show host.

As a producer, Clarkson shared in the show’s series victories alongside her individual honours. She won in at least one of the top categories during each of the programme’s first five seasons, including three years where she swept both awards.

In 2024, Clarkson made headlines during her Daytime Emmys acceptance speech when she thanked NBC for supporting her decision to move production from Los Angeles to New York, citing personal strain and mental health concerns.

What’s next for Kelly Clarkson?

Clarkson first rose to fame as the inaugural winner of American Idol in 2002 and remains one of the franchise’s most successful alumni.

She has scored three number one singles on the Billboard Hot 100, three number one albums on the Billboard 200 and has won three Grammy Awards, including two for best pop vocal album.

Clarkson will continue hosting the remainder of the 2025–26 television season, with guest hosts appearing throughout, before the show officially comes to an end.

For now, the announcement marks the close of a hugely successful chapter and a rare pause in one of television’s most relentless schedules.