There have been rampant rumors that former Today host Hoda Kotb will replace Kelly Clarkson on her eponymous show, four months after the author’s surprise exit from the long-running morning program.
Allegedly, Kotb is one of the candidates to take over The Kelly Clarkson Show amid claims that the inaugural American Idol winner wants to leave her talk show.
However, the veteran journalist has finally set the record straight, breaking her silence on the undying speculation.
Will Hoda Kotb Be the New Host of The Kelly Clarkson Show?
After taking several breaks from The Kelly Clarkson Show, including a lengthy absence in March, there have been claims that Clarkson is considering leaving when her contract expires in 2026.
That said, NBC is allegedly on the lookout to find potential successors that include Kotb as the leading candidate, thanks to her popularity and extensive daytime TV experience.
But despite the growing assumptions, the 60-year-old broadcaster herself denied the rumors during her return to Today.
“Delete. Delete. That’s not true,” she said while sitting with former co-hosts Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin during the Wednesday episode.
She even assured everyone that there would be only one show she’d appear on if she ever decided to return to TV.
“Do you think that if I ever came back to TV … do you know the only place I would ever come back is?” she continued. “Right here, this is the spot. There’s no place like home.”
Will Fans See Hoda Kotb on The Kelly Clarkson Show?
In an ironic twist of fate, Kotb is set to appear on The Kelly Clarkson Show amid the persistent replacement rumors.
According to Page Six, the TV personality taped an interview with Clakrson last week, though the episode has yet to air as of this writing.
It also remains to be seen if she will also address the rumors on the show.
However, sources told the publication that Kotb would only appear on the program as a guest to discuss her newly launched eponymous wellness brand, including her health app Joy 101, which features a personalized program to help manage mental health.
She also said on Today that she has been focusing on her health since leaving the show.
Will Kelly Clarkson Leave Her Talk Show?
With her frequent absences, it’s no surprise that there have been rumors that Clarkson may leave her talk show.
However, a different source told Page Six that there were claims from the singer-songwriter’s camp saying she has already agreed to stay on the show for two more years.
This move allegedly makes the NBC executives “very pleased,” as they are said to be “very fond” of her and The Kelly Clarkson Show.
An NBC insider, on the other hand, revealed that Clarkson’s return “is not imminent,” causing the show’s staff and crew to fear they might lose their jobs if she decides to leave.
“Not feeling too stable,” an alleged staffer claimed. “She could bolt at any time. Where does that leave me?”
But while everyone reportedly “loves” Clarkson, a producer shared they would “understand” if she wanted to leave because she’s allegedly “unhappy.”
If Kotb indeed replace the 43-year-old star, they believed she might be a “better boss,” knowing she’s “universally beloved and respected by her former co-workers.”
“Maybe she would be good. She sure would be a lot more stable than what we’ve been going through,” the unnamed producer continued.
“If Hoda wants to do it, it could be win-win for everyone,” an insider added.
Though Clarkson’s future on her morning show remains uncertain, NBC is reportedly preparing for possible scenarios. That said, fans should be prepared for potential changes in the daytime talk show landscape.
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