Kelly Clarkson recently celebrated a significant milestone for her acclaimed daytime talk show, “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” as it marked its 1000th episode. The show originally premiered on September 9, 2019, on NBC, and Clarkson took this opportunity to express her vulnerability and the personal journey she has experienced over the past five and a half years. The atmosphere was filled with mixed emotions as she reflected on the incredible experiences she has shared with her audience.
In the weeks leading up to the milestone episode, several guest hosts had filled in for Clarkson due to her unexplained absence. However, on Thursday, she made her return to celebrate this landmark episode with her loyal viewers. Clarkson described her time on the show as “crazy,” indicating both the challenges and the triumphs along the way. She took a moment to reflect on the myriad of talented individuals, renowned stars, and inspiring everyday heroes she has encountered throughout the journey.
Clarkson emphasized the sense of community that has blossomed amongst her audience and guests. “We created a community and supported each other through a lot of ups and downs, a lot of ups and downs personally as well,” she shared. This profound connection was not only with the audience but also with the myriad guests who have come onto the show, participating in various segments that allowed them to share their stories.
The emotional weight of her words resonated as she recounted the shared experiences of joy and sorrow. Clarkson articulated, “We have laughed together, we have cried together with beautiful stories, sang together with some people, danced together, celebrated and competed together.” She did not shy away from discussing her personal losses, pausing momentarily to assure her audience, “It’s okay,” a poignant reminder of the resilience many endure through their personal struggles.
Since the inception of the show, Clarkson’s life has undergone significant changes that have undoubtedly influenced her on-screen presence. Notably, she relocated the production of her show from Los Angeles to New York City in its fifth season, a move that came following her divorce from Brandon Blackstock, her husband of nearly seven years. Together, they share two children, River Rose and Remington Alexander, and Clarkson has publicly navigated the emotional complexities of her separation.
In past interviews, Clarkson has been open about the challenges of her personal life, often using humor to mask the pain. In a 2020 “Today” appearance, she candidly stated, “I mean, it’s no secret my life has been a little bit of a dumpster.” This raw honesty has endeared her to many and highlights her ability to remain relatable amid the glitz and glamour of her celebrity status.
Despite the tumultuous changes in her life, Clarkson has found solace in her new surroundings and routines. Her cross-country move has provided her with opportunities to focus on her health and well-being, allowing her to embrace a more balanced lifestyle. During the filming of her 1000th episode, she took the moment to reflect on not only how she has evolved but also how the show itself has transformed alongside her.
“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built and the community we created,” Clarkson expressed during the taping. She noted, “We’ve started with the intention of making connections and bringing people together and it feels like we’ve been doing just that.” This sentiment encapsulates the essence of her talk show, which is not merely a platform for entertainment but a gathering place for stories, connections, and shared humanity.
As Clarkson commemorated this significant episode, viewers and fans alike were reminded of the profound impact her show has had and will continue to have on the lives of many, celebrating not just milestones in entertainment, but the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
