Kelly Clarkson may soon face a pivotal career decision, as reports indicate the 43-year-old American Idol alum is contemplating stepping away from her daytime talk show after its seventh season. According to recent claims, The Kelly Clarkson Show is likely to conclude, with Clarkson’s departure described as ‘definite.’ This news follows months of speculation regarding her future at NBC, leaving her dedicated team eager for clarity. In an exclusive conversation with the Daily Mail, an insider revealed that Clarkson aims to pour her energy into this season and conclude the show on a high note, while she is ‘still at her peak.’

Meanwhile, another source suggests that many crew members doubt this intention, believing the show is no longer a priority for Clarkson. Sympathy for her has grown, particularly after the passing of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, in August 2025 at the age of 48. The couple shares two children: daughter River, 11, and son Remington, nine. A close associate commented, “Kelly has led an extraordinary life, with everything she touches turning into success. While she cherishes her talk show, it’s no longer at the forefront of her future plans. She intends to give her best this season, but she hopes to conclude the show while still at her best.”

Rumors of Clarkson’s potential exit from her self-titled talk show, which debuted in 2019, first emerged last year. The star hinted at the challenges of her hectic schedule, noting how her daytime TV commitments hindered her ability to tour as a singer. Her absence from the show in February and March was attributed to a ‘personal matter.’ On August 6, Clarkson announced she was postponing the remainder of her Las Vegas residency due to her ex-husband’s illness, needing to be ‘fully present’ for their children. Tragically, just one day later, Blackstock’s family confirmed his passing after a private, three-year fight with cancer.

With Clarkson’s priority focused on the well-being of her young children, the first source said that it would take ‘a major change of thought’ for Clarkson to continue the show. However, there is ‘one main reason’ that could convince the singer to keep hosting The Kelly Clarkson Show, and that is her loyal staff. Our second source said that Clarkson is ‘still a good boss’ and ‘engaged’ with her crew, but many sense ‘something different’ with her since Blackstock’s passing. ‘Kelly is somewhat back to where things were before Brandon died, but she’s not entirely there yet,’ the second insider said.

The former couple, who were married for seven years until their divorce in June 2020, had a contentious legal battle in the wake of their split. Clarkson received primary custody of their two kids. After a summer hiatus, and Blackstock’s death, The Kelly Clarkson Show returned to NBC for Season 7 on September 29, 2025. According to our second source, a show staffer, Clarkson has been ‘engaging with us about our lives’ and appears to be back to her old self since the show resumed production. ‘She knows every single person on the crew by name, every member of staff. She knows who our husbands and wives are. She treats us like we’re friends, not just co-workers,’ the second source said.

Of course, Clarkson’s close relationship with her employees will make it that much more difficult if she decides to leave the show – especially because her departure would put them all out of work. The first insider said: ‘Everyone wants Kelly to stay and sign a new contract. That is the ultimate goal.’ The insider also maintained that Clarkson’s reluctance to sign on for another season shouldn’t be confused as a negotiation ploy for a bigger check. ‘Kelly has one foot out the door. It isn’t a money play, she just wants to do something else and she wants to be with her family more,’ the insider said. Amid speculation about The Kelly Clarkson Show’s fate, rumors of a frontrunner to replace Clarkson have emerged.

Most notably, former Today show host Hoda Kotb, 61, has reportedly been named as a top contender for the daytime slot. In May, the journalist finally addressed rumors that she was set to take over The Kelly Clarkson Show while appearing on Today with her former colleagues Craig Melvin and Savannah Guthrie. But Kotb pledged her allegiance to her former employer, insisting the Today show is the only program she would appear on if she ever returned to TV. ‘There may be rumors of someone to replace her in the daytime world, but the problem is also that is a massive undertaking finding someone that works,’ the first insider said.

‘There is no clear front-runner because everyone again wants [Clarkson] to stay. They don’t want to think of the alternative.’ As for Clarkson’s devoted crew members, our second source said executives at The Kelly Clarkson Show have assured staff that ‘they’ll help place us in other jobs’ if the program ever ends. ‘I feel pretty well taken care of,’ the second source added. ‘I hope it doesn’t end, because I’d miss Kelly a lot.’ The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Clarkson for comment.