For Kelly Clarkson, her daytime series was more than a career milestone; it became a source of strength when life became difficult.
Now, as the final episode of “The Kelly Clarkson Show” prepares to air Monday, August 31, the singer and TV host is opening up about the journey.
Clarkson recently got candid about the many changes that unfolded in her life and the world at large during the series’ seven-season run.
“A lot has happened in my personal life, and a lot has happened in life for everyone,” Clarkson shared on YouTube, mentioning the pandemic as one of the challenges.
According to Clarkson, the word that best describes the show is “pivot,” as it has adapted to unexpected circumstances.
“There’s not been one normal season,” Clarkson said, explaining that despite the challenges, coming to work gave her a sense of purpose during difficult periods in her life. “I think that saved me, honestly, a lot of times [and] I think this show has made everyone better at what they do,” the 44-year-old said.
The three-time Grammy winner debuted the NBC daytime program in 2019. A year later, the pandemic forced the production to adjust, including periods of virtual filming.
In 2023, the production moved to New York, following her highly publicized divorce from Brandon Blackstock. Blackstock died in 2025 after a private battle with cancer.
Why Kelly Clarkson Decided It Was Time to Leave
The former “American Idol” winner first announced in February that the series would end, explaining that she wanted more time to focus on her children and family.
As The Blast previously reported, Clarkson said the decision reflected changes in her family dynamic, particularly following her ex-husband’s death.
However, Clarkson made it clear that ending the series does not mean slowing down professionally. In fact, she revealed that having too many commitments was part of the reason she needed to reassess her priorities.
“I’m still doing stuff. There’s just too much on the plate,” the singer said. “So, I was like, you know what, it’s time to kinda pull back.”
Insiders Claimed The TV Personality’s Off-Script Habit Created Tension With NBC Producers
While Clarkson has been open about her reasons for leaving, insiders have offered another glimpse into what reportedly happened behind the scenes.
The comments came after the “Miss Independent” singer joked about her former workplace during her July residency in Las Vegas. After playfully brushing a fan’s jacket, Clarkson quipped, “I would get fired at NBC, but I don’t work there anymore,” before adding, “No more HR meetings!”
While the comment drew laughter from the audience, insiders noted that it reflected situations familiar to those who worked on the program.
Per The Blast, one source revealed that Clarkson’s tendency to stray from the planned script sometimes frustrated producers, who expected her to follow a structured rundown.
Kelly Clarkson Also Wants to Make More Music
More details surrounding Clarkson’s decision to exit have also emerged, with those close to her claiming that she also wants to devote more energy to her music career.
According to The Blast, one source said the show became much bigger than Clarkson had anticipated, leaving her with little room to pursue other interests.
“Kelly asked herself, ‘Do I want to spend the rest of my life doing this?’She wants to focus on things that she really loves,” the source said.
Now, the “A Moment Like This” hitmaker is reportedly looking forward to returning her attention to music while continuing her other business ventures.
Ex ‘The Voice’ Coach Opened Up About Her Love Life
As Clarkson says goodbye to her show, she has also offered glimpses into her personal life, particularly her decision to remain single.
During a July performance in Las Vegas, she addressed the curiosity surrounding her relationship status, joking that watching other couples navigate their relationships can sometimes make single life look appealing.
She also opened up about what she considers one of the biggest struggles of maintaining a long-term relationship.
“If you are in a relationship, the hardest part I feel like is just keeping that fire alive and still dating,” Clarkson explained, per The Blast. “And like, still making it feel magical and not monotonous,” she said.
