Report: Kelly Clarkson on verge of quitting

Kelly Clarkson may have an important decision to make very soon, as reports have surfaced that the American Idol winner, 43, will be walking away from her daytime talk show after its seventh season. A recent report claimed that The Kelly Clarkson Show will likely 'not go on,' and that Clarkson's exit is 'definite'. This comes after months of speculation about her future at NBC that undoubtedly left her devoted staff desperate for answers. Now, speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail, one inside source has shared that Clarkson wants to 'give it her all' this season and end The Kelly Clarkson Show on a high note while she is 'still on top.'

A second source, however, maintains that many crew members don't believe that and feel the show is no longer 'vital' to Clarkson. Certainly, their is great sympathy for Clarkson following the August 2025 death of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, at age 48. The couple shared daughter River, 11, and son Remington, nine. 'Kelly has had an incredible life and everything she touches seems to become a hit,' the first insider said. 'She loves her talk show, but it is on the bottom of her list of things she would like to continue doing moving forward. She is going to continue to give it her all this season, but she would like to wind it down and end it while still on top.'

The speculation that Clarkson was ready to leave her eponymous talk show - which premiered in 2019 - first surfaced last year, when the star began to make subtle comments about her demanding schedule and daytime TV job had prevented her from going on tour as a singer. Then came a series of absences from the show in February and March, which were described at the time as being due to a 'personal matter.' It was then revealed on August 6 that Clarkson was postponing the remainder of her Las Vegas residency dates because her ex-husband was 'ill' and she needed to be 'fully present' for their two children. Just one day later, a representative for Blackstock's family confirmed the talent manager had died after a private, three-year battle 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.