On March 20, 2025, Kelly Clarkson marked a significant milestone with the celebration of the 1,000th episode of her daytime talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show. First premiering on September 9, 2019, the show has captured audiences with Clarkson's infectious energy, relatability, and heartfelt discussions.
Clarkson, 42, welcomed viewers with an emotional speech reflecting on her five-and-a-half-year journey. "I cannot believe today marks the 1,000th. It’s crazy," she stated during what became a profoundly personal episode. Throughout the course of the show, the Grammy-winning singer has had the opportunity to meet "hugely talented people, tons of big stars and inspiring everyday heroes," she shared.
The special episode featured a montage of her two children—daughter River Rose, 10, and son Remington "Remy" Alexander, 8—who have made various appearances on the show over the years. Overcome with emotion, Clarkson fought back tears as she watched clips of their cameos. "River and Remy, I love you so much. I’m so proud of you both," she said, expressing her pride and love for her children amidst the laughter and tears shared on the show.
During her heartfelt monologue, Clarkson reflected on the unique bond she has formed not only with her viewers but also with her guests. She noted, "For 1000 episodes, we have laughed together, we have cried together, celebrated, and competed together. I’ve lost, alone, a lot—it's okay!" This comment alluded to challenges she faced, including her highly publicized divorce from Brandon Blackstock, which she filed for in June 2020.
The montage segment, which highlighted various moments from her children's appearances, culminated in a clip of Remy singing a rendition of Frank Sinatra’s classic song, "My Way." Afterward, Clarkson applauded with the studio audience, visibly touched and appreciative of the memories she shared with her family.
Clarkson returned for this milestone episode following a brief absence due to a personal matter, leaving fans relieved to see her back. Previously, several guest hosts had filled in for her, including Wanda Sykes and Brooke Shields, during her time away. Clarkson's heartfelt engagement with the audience was evident from the moment she entered, playfully stating, "You will applaud because you love it. You are so f–king excited!" Her humorous approach lightened the atmosphere, emphasizing the joy of the occasion.
The episode also addressed the impactful moments in her life over the past years. Clarkson commented on how they endured the pandemic together as a community, supported each other during personal struggles, and celebrated each other's triumphs. Her words resonated with many who have followed her journey from the outset of the program.
In terms of accolades, The Kelly Clarkson Show has been very successful, winning over 22 Daytime Emmys since its inception. Clarkson herself has won eight of those awards, solidifying her prowess in daytime television. The show most recently won the award for outstanding daytime talk series for the fourth consecutive year at the 2024 Daytime Emmys, and it continues to average a staggering 1.2 million viewers per day.
From the show's beginning to its current state, the evolution of Clarkson as a host has paralleled her personal life significantly. Clarkson didn’t shy away from discussing her struggles, noting how lessons learned from therapy about being vulnerable in front of her kids have shaped her approach to motherhood.
"I think the most important thing I’ve learned in therapy, especially through this divorce, is ‘Don’t hide everything from your kids.' It’s okay if they see you cry, or if they see you’ve had a bad day," she said. This kind of candidness has been a hallmark of her show, which fosters an environment where difficult personal topics can be addressed openly.
As Clarkson reflected on this milestone, she made it clear how proud she is of the supportive community they have built together. "I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built and the community we created," she expressed, echoing her gratitude toward the fans who have supported her through both personal and professional ups and downs.
In a world full of rapid changes, Clarkson has demonstrated resilience and authenticity, capturing the hearts of many not only as a performer but as a relatable host who shares both her victories and challenges. As she looks forward beyond her 1,000th episode, fans are excited to see what the future holds for Clarkson and her show.
