Kelly Clarkson’s Return to Her Talk Show and the Mystery of Her Absence
Kelly Clarkson, the powerhouse vocalist behind hits like "Since U Been Gone" and the beloved host of "The Kelly Clarkson Show," has returned to the airwaves after a nearly two-week absence that left fans wondering about her whereabouts. The 42-year-old singer and television personality made her comeback on Tuesday, March 18th, welcoming "Severance" star Adam Scott as her first guest. However, Clarkson notably refrained from addressing the reason for her absence, adding to the intrigue surrounding her time away.
The period leading up to Clarkson’s return was filled with a revolving door of guest hosts, each stepping in to fill the void left by her absence. On March 3rd, actor Simu Liu, known for his role in "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings," unexpectedly found himself at the helm of the show. Liu humorously revealed to the studio audience that he had been informed of his hosting duties just minutes before going live, as Clarkson was unable to make it that day. He offered his best wishes to Clarkson and gamely took on the challenge, promoting his new movie "Last Breath" in the process.
While Clarkson returned for the March 5th episode, her absence resumed shortly after, prompting a wave of speculation and concern among her loyal viewers. A succession of guest hosts kept the show running smoothly in her absence. "Sunday Today" anchor Willie Geist took over on March 12th, followed by model and actress Molly Sims, who hosted on March 13th and 14th. Kal Penn, known for his roles in "Harold & Kumar" and "House," stepped in as guest host on March 17th, the day before Clarkson’s official return.
The absence of "The Kelly Clarkson Show’s" star was addressed with a blend of humor and professionalism by the guest hosts. Comedian Roy Wood Jr., an alumnus of "The Daily Show," took the reins on March 6th, joking about his supposed resemblance to Clarkson. "Kelly’s out for the day. I’m back. You’re in good hands. I was here about a week ago, I think they brought me back because of my resemblance to Kelly. You need to squint to see it, though," Wood quipped, injecting levity into the situation.
The March 7th episode saw a unique co-hosting arrangement, with comedian Wanda Sykes and singer Josh Groban sharing hosting duties. Brooke Shields also contributed to the program, both performing and hosting during her appearance.
Despite the array of talented individuals stepping in, the absence of Clarkson herself was keenly felt by many viewers. While some expressed concern and curiosity about her well-being, others defended her right to privacy and time off. As one fan commented on YouTube, "I think we need to remember that this is a job, and sometimes, people take time off from their jobs, and they don’t need to explain why. I don’t think Kelly Clarkson needs to tell us where she went to those wondering."
Adding to the intrigue, the Instagram account for "The Kelly Clarkson Show" has indicated that Clarkson will be absent again on Wednesday, with Andy Cohen scheduled to step in as guest host. However, fans can rejoice knowing that Clarkson will be back for the Thursday and Friday episodes. The scheduled guests for those episodes are quite impressive: On Thursday, Clarkson will welcome Tyler Perry, Alicia Vikander, and Mau y Ricky. Ellen Pompeo, David Blaine, and Crystle Stewart are slated to appear as guests on Friday.
The show’s current happenings follow Clarkson’s much-publicized move of her talk show to New York City, a decision she described as liberating. "Kelly Clarkson is ready to smile again with talk shows move to NYC: A weight has lifted," one headline proclaimed, suggesting a renewed sense of energy and enthusiasm for the project.
During the premiere of her talk show in 2019, Clarkson offered insight into her approach to hosting. "This is what’s weird about me. Ignorance is bliss. I’m just doing my thing. I love talking to people. I love singing. I love the audience being kind of a co-host with me. My band’s here," she told USA TODAY. "So, I’m just kind of doing me. It might work and it might not."
It remains unclear why Clarkson took the time off from her show, and the lack of explanation has only fueled further speculation. Some fans suggested that Clarkson needed a break after navigating her recent divorce. Others have guessed she may have been sick. The show has not confirmed any reason for her absence.
Clarkson’s fans have expressed concern, but also understand that she is entitled to privacy. Some viewers even suggested that Kelly’s weight loss is linked to a medical diagnosis, and therefore she is entitled to privacy in the matter.
Despite the unanswered questions, the return of Kelly Clarkson to her talk show is a welcome sight for fans who have missed her infectious energy and insightful conversations. With a star-studded lineup of guests scheduled for the remainder of the week, "The Kelly Clarkson Show" is poised to continue its run as one of daytime television’s most popular programs.
