When Kelly Clarkson first launched The Kelly Clarkson Show in 2019, few could have predicted just how quickly it would become a daytime favorite. With her powerhouse voice, quick wit, and down-to-earth charm, Clarkson built something special over seven seasons. But now, she’s ready for a new chapter.
The 43-year-old singer confirmed this week that she will step away from her talk show at the end of its seventh season — and she made it clear the decision didn’t come lightly.
“I have been extremely fortunate to work with such an outstanding group of people at ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show,’ both in Los Angeles and New York,” Clarkson wrote in a heartfelt Instagram message. “There have been so many amazing moments and shows over these seven seasons.”
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The Grammy winner expressed deep gratitude to her team, saying she was “forever grateful and honored to have worked alongside the greatest band and crew you could hope for” and thanked “all the talent and inspiring people who have shared their time and lives with us.” She also made sure to acknowledge the fans “who have supported our show” since its premiere and thanked NBC for “always being such a supportive and incredible partner.”
Still, despite the success and support, Clarkson admitted, “Because of all of that, this was not an easy decision, but this season will be my last hosting ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show.’”
So why walk away now?
For Clarkson, it comes down to family. She shared that “stepping away” from the show will allow her to prioritize her children, something she said “feels necessary and right for this next chapter of our lives.”
Clarkson is mom to daughter River, 11, and son Remington, 9, whom she shares with her late ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock. Blackstock tragically passed away in August 2025 at age 48 after a private battle with melanoma. Over the summer, Clarkson temporarily stepped back from the show to care for her family during that difficult time.
Sources had hinted for months that the demanding schedule of a daily talk show was taking a toll. “Kelly’s number one priority is her children, and they always will be,” insiders shared earlier this year. “The show is grueling. It’s a whole lot of work.”
Even as rumors swirled, Clarkson reportedly wrestled with the impact her departure could have on staff. “She was emotional. She was worried about the staff,” one unnamed staffer claimed. “She’s made it very clear that she doesn’t want her decisions to affect all of our livelihoods.”
Despite the speculation, Clarkson stayed on for one more season. NBCUniversal confirmed that production on Season 7 will continue as planned, with “a few special guest hosts” expected to step in along the way. Chairman of NBCUniversal Local Valari Staab thanked Clarkson and the production team for the “wonderful, high-quality show they’ve produced consistently since 2019” and said the network looks forward to finishing out the season strong.
As for Clarkson, she made it clear this isn’t a full goodbye. “This isn’t goodbye,” she reassured fans. “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 ended her message with heartfelt appreciation: “For now, I want to thank y’all so much for allowing our show to be a part of your lives, and for believing in us and hanging with us for seven incredible years.”
After seven seasons of laughter, music, and meaningful conversations, Clarkson is choosing what matters most — and stepping into a new season of life with her family at the center.