Kelly Clarkson has had a tumultuous spring, marked by her unexplained absences from her daytime talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show. Fans have been left wondering about the reasons behind her time away, but recent social media posts and performances hint at a deeper narrative.
Clarkson's absence from her show began in March 2025, leading to a series of guest hosts stepping in to fill the void. On March 3, actor Simu Liu took over hosting duties, stating, "Kelly isn’t able to make it today. We’re sending her our very best." Liu's unexpected role as host came as a surprise, as he had just arrived to promote his movie, Last Breath.
Throughout March, Clarkson was notably absent for several episodes, with figures like comedian Roy Wood Jr., actress Wanda Sykes, singer Josh Groban, and others stepping in as guest hosts. This led to increasing speculation among fans about the reasons for her extended absence.
On April 18, 2025, Clarkson posted a teaser for her new single titled "Where Have You Been" on Instagram, alongside the artwork and the caption "Soon …" This announcement sparked further speculation that the song might hold clues about her recent disappearances. Fans voiced their excitement, with one commenting on Reddit, "Good to hear that she’s releasing new music. Always happy for her," while another noted, "I’m so excited for her (Miss) independent era, can’t wait to hear what she makes without restrictions for the first time in her career."
Adding to the intrigue, an unconfirmed report from NewsNation suggested that Clarkson's absence may be linked to her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock's reported illness, as she was said to have taken their children to visit him. However, no official statement has been made to confirm this speculation.
As her fans continue to express concern over her well-being, Clarkson has also been preparing for her upcoming performances. She is set to kick off the "Today" Citi Concert Series on May 6, 2025, at Rockefeller Plaza, followed by a performance in Atlantic City later that month. Additionally, she will headline her Studio Sessions: The Las Vegas Residency at Caesars Palace, starting July 4, 2025, continuing into August and again in November.
Interestingly, Clarkson's style has also shifted during this period. Observers have noted her more casual wardrobe choices, often opting for t-shirts and jeans, which has led to fan comments about her relaxed appearance. One fan remarked on her April 17 Instagram post, "Why is Kelly only wearing t-shirts and jeans these days?" Despite her casual look, Clarkson's makeup artist, Gloria Elias-Foeillet, has been active behind the scenes, tagging Mac's MacStack Mascara in an Instagram story from Clarkson's April 12 interview with Finn Wolfhard.
In a candid moment during an episode of her show, Clarkson shared her views on makeup, saying, "I don’t even own makeup in my house. Someone was like ‘do you have—?’ No, I don’t." She added, "Apathy is a beautiful thing," reflecting a more relaxed approach to her public persona.
On April 23, 2025, Clarkson celebrated her 43rd birthday, and her colleagues made sure it was a special occasion. Ben Affleck and Jon Bernthal surprised her on set with birthday cakes and flowers, which Clarkson appreciated, exclaiming, "That's so nice!" This moment of joy amid her recent challenges provided a glimpse of the support she has from her team.
As fans continue to speculate about Clarkson's future on the show, some sources suggest potential behind-the-scenes tensions and the demanding nature of producing an Emmy-winning daytime show. There are whispers that Clarkson may consider stepping away from the show after her contract ends next year. However, amid these uncertainties, her fans remain hopeful and supportive, eagerly anticipating her new music and upcoming performances.
With the combination of personal challenges, professional commitments, and a shift in her public image, Kelly Clarkson's spring has been anything but ordinary. As she navigates these complexities, her fans are left wondering what the future holds for the beloved singer and talk show host.
