Kelly Clarkson Said To Be ‘One Foot Out The Door’ As Talk Show Exit Rumors Heat Up

Kelly Clarkson may be nearing a major crossroads in her career, as new reports claim the singer and TV host is preparing to step away from "The Kelly Clarkson Show" after its seventh season. A recent report claimed that the NBC daytime series will likely “not go on,” and that Clarkson’s exit is “definite,” sparking speculation about what’s next for the "American Idol" winner. The rumors come after months of uncertainty that have reportedly left staff and viewers wondering whether Kelly Clarkson plans to renew her contract or move on to the next chapter, especially as she continues to mourn the death of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock.

Now, speaking to the Daily Mail, an inside source suggested Clarkson wants to close out the show on a high note rather than risk overstaying her welcome. "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 [at] 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 report also points to Clarkson’s increasingly candid comments about her schedule as a key factor. The speculation that Clarkson was ready to leave her talk show, which premiered in 2019, first gained traction last year after she began making subtle remarks about how daytime TV has impacted her ability to tour as a singer.

Questions about Clarkson’s future only intensified after a noticeable string of absences from the show in February and March, which were described at the time as being due to a “personal matter.” Then, in early August, Clarkson revealed she was postponing the rest of her Las Vegas residency because her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, was “ill,” explaining she needed to be “fully present” for their children.

Just one day later, a representative for Blackstock’s family confirmed the talent manager had died following a private three-year battle with cancer. The former couple, who were married for seven years until their divorce in June 2020, went through a contentious legal battle after their split, with Clarkson ultimately receiving primary custody of their two children, daughter River, 11, and son Remington, 9.

With Clarkson’s focus now firmly on her children, one source suggested it would take a significant shift for her to remain in the daily grind of daytime TV.

After a summer hiatus and Blackstock’s death, "The Kelly Clarkson Show" returned to NBC for Season 7 on September 29, 2025, and according to a staffer, Clarkson has seemed more like herself since production resumed. "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.

But that close bond could make a departure even harder, because if Clarkson walks away, it could mean the end of the show and leave her staff scrambling. The first insider said, "Everyone wants Kelly to stay and sign a new contract. That is the ultimate goal."

And despite the inevitable chatter that contract uncertainty could be about money, the insider claimed that it isn’t what’s driving Clarkson’s alleged hesitation.

"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 added.

As for Clarkson's devoted crew members, Daily Mail's 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."

And with Season 7 already underway, the pressure is on, not just for Kelly Clarkson to decide what she wants next, but for everyone around her who may be waiting on a decision that could change their livelihoods overnight.