Overview

• Production insiders report heightened stress among Clarkson’s team over her ambiguous return schedule and potential exit at the end of her 2026 contract.
• Hoda Kotb taped an episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show to promote her new wellness brand, fueling succession rumors despite sources stating she is not set to replace Clarkson.
• Insiders say NBC executives have begun compiling a shortlist of candidates to succeed Clarkson, with Kotb listed among the leading names under consideration.
• Clarkson is preparing to release her ninth album this summer and launch a Las Vegas residency, commitments that may influence her decision on continuing the daytime series.
• The Kelly Clarkson Show has secured 22 Daytime Emmys and averages 1.2 million daily viewers, underscoring the network’s high stakes in planning a seamless transition.