After much anticipation, Kelly Clarkson returned to the set of The Kelly Clarkson Show on March 18, 2025, following a nearly two-week absence that left fans wondering about her wellbeing. The Emmy-winning daytime talk show host had missed approximately ten episodes during March, leading to speculation and concern among her followers.
Clarkson’s absence officially began on March 3, when actor Simu Liu stepped in as a surprise host. "I am not Kelly Clarkson. I know this might shock a lot of you," Liu joked during the episode. "But Kelly actually can't make it today, and we're sending her our very best." After a brief two-day return to the show on March 4 and 5, Clarkson once again missed several episodes, which prompted guest hosts to fill in for her.
While Clarkson did not publicly address the reasons for her absence, reports cited an unnamed source stating she was dealing with a “personal matter” that did not involve her directly. According to TMZ, sources confirmed Clarkson’s health was fine, but she faced a sudden family emergency that prompted her absence. The entertainment news outlet noted she was expected to resume her duties on March 13 to prepare new episodes.
Fans were thrilled to see Clarkson return on March 18, where she opened the show with her signature segment called 'Kellyoke,' performing Flames by New Zealand singer Will Swenson. Afterward, she interviewed guests Adam Scott and Marc Rebillet, marking a triumphant comeback after a series of guest hosts filled her role.
During her absence, several celebrities took on the hosting duties, including comedians Roy Wood Jr. and Wanda Sykes, as well as actor Josh Groban and Brooke Shields. On March 10 and 11, Shields shared her enjoyment of stepping in, saying it was “so nice” to fill in. The guest hosting experience was a challenge: many hosts only discovered they would be filling in shortly before the show began.
Further stirring curiosity among fans, Clarkson was slated to miss yet another episode on March 19, with TV host Andy Cohen taking over for her again. Cohen is set to perform his own rendition of Clarkson's famous song Since U Been Gone during that episode. Viewers have been openly expressing concern on social media about her repeated absences. "What’s going on? Where is Kelly?" one fan questioned, while others echoed these sentiments, eager for clarity on Clarkson’s situation.
While some fans had expressed worry, the singer reassured her supporters on social media that she was filming new content and would return to celebrate the show’s milestone 1,000th episode on March 20, 2025. Sources confirmed that all was well and she’d be back to hosting duties for the celebratory show despite missing the March 19 episode.
Clarkson's absence was not only a concern for her fans but also indicated the pressures of personal and professional life that even high-profile celebrities encounter. As the singer gears up for her Las Vegas residency scheduled for summer and fall 2025 at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, it has been a demanding time for her.
As of now, Clarkson's fans can mark their calendars for her return on March 20, where they can watch her celebrate a significant milestone alongside guests in a special episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show. Despite the absence and uncertainty, Clarkson's presence in the talk show arena remains treasured by many, evidenced by the joys and support expressed by her audience.
This recent sequence of events signals that celebrities, regardless of acclaim, navigate personal challenges that could affect their professional lives. For Clarkson, fans are hopeful she will soon return fully to her role and continue providing entertainment and engaging conversations on her show.
