Kelly Clarkson Has ‘Breakdown’ on Set of Talk Show Amidst Rumors She’s Quitting

The popular daytime television program The Kelly Clarkson Show is currently facing serious turmoil behind the scenes as rumors swirl that host Kelly Clarkson is considering leaving the show.

According to multiple insiders, Clarkson, 43, recently suffered an emotional breakdown on set, overwhelmed by the mounting pressures of her position and the uncertainty surrounding her future with the show.

This development follows weeks of reports that claim morale on The Kelly Clarkson Show has plummeted. Several staff members, some reportedly close to Clarkson, have expressed frustration, accusing the singer-turned-host of appearing “ungrateful” and “disengaged.”

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The situation has reached such a boiling point that some employees are threatening to quit, while Clarkson herself is allegedly rethinking her role.

Clarkson’s ‘Breakdown’ On Set

Insiders from The Kelly Clarkson Show, including a producer, have described Clarkson as “tormented” by her internal conflict about whether to continue with the talk show when her current contract expires next year.

According to one staffer who spoke to Daily Mail, Clarkson is deeply concerned about how her potential departure might impact the livelihoods of her team.

“She’s made it very clear that she doesn’t want her decisions to affect all of our livelihoods… but it’s a bit late for that now,” the staffer revealed.

It’s a BEAUTIFUL day at Kelly with Benicio del Toro, Taylor Jenkins Reid, @TomDaley1994 and a special Cameo-oke from @jamesblunt! pic.twitter.com/akYFmWiGVQ

— The Kelly Clarkson Show (@KellyClarksonTV) June 5, 2025

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“I get that she’s conflicted, but when she says things publicly, it makes the public feel like she doesn’t want to be here. And if she doesn’t want to be here, why should they tune in?”

The insider also shared that Clarkson recently became emotional while meeting with high-level producers to discuss the show’s direction and her future.

“She was emotional,” the staffer said. “She was worried about the staff and had a bit of a breakdown about it.”

The Weight of Two Worlds

Clarkson, who hasn’t released a new album in nearly two years, has been open about missing her musical roots.

Earlier this year, she was absent from a stretch of episodes of her talk show, during which producers had to scramble to book guest hosts.

When she finally returned, Clarkson gave no formal explanation, further fueling speculation about her disengagement.

During a recent live performance in Atlantic City, Clarkson offered some insight into how she’s been feeling juggling both her music and talk show careers.

Atlantic City, what a fun show last night! Thank you, Ruby, for helping me with Heartbeat song 💜 can’t wait to see y’all tonight @HardRockHCAC pic.twitter.com/03d4VyCVIO

— Kelly Clarkson (@kellyclarkson) May 11, 2024

“We haven’t done a [singing] show in a while, y’all, cause I have a talk show,” she told the audience. “It’s like a whole other job.”

“We are bummed ’cause we love doing [singing] shows, and it’s hard to fit it in,” she added.

A Frustrated Outburst

Clarkson’s emotional state was further revealed during an onstage moment when a fan complimented her appearance.

Instead of merely thanking the fan, Clarkson used the moment to vent about frustrations with workplace restrictions—particularly those regarding professional boundaries.

“Every time I go to an HR meeting, I’m like, ‘How have I not been fired?’.. they say you’re not allowed to say someone looks attractive, and I say [expletive] that,” she said.

“Because some of those [expletives] are out here working, and we’re trying, and I want every mother[expletive] that passes me to go, ‘Well done,’” Clarkson continued.

Her candid remarks were not well-received by all, especially those working on her show.

“I cringed when I heard her comments,” admitted one staffer. “It’s just not a good look, you know? You don’t want the person whose name is on the show to be trashing the show. Some things just need to be family business.”

It’s 5 o’clock somewhere, right?! 🍷 @HodaKotb is here to get the party started on the #KellyClarksonShow today! pic.twitter.com/EiPtmwvTcQ

— The Kelly Clarkson Show (@KellyClarksonTV) February 6, 2020

“I know that Kelly is worried that she has lost the respect of her team,” the insider added. “I don’t know that it’s that black and white. There’s nuance there.”

“Everyone understands that she’s gone through some things, and we’re all very sympathetic,” the staffer concluded. “But if she wants to keep our goodwill, she needs to not trash the show, and give us plenty of notice if she decides to bail. That would be the decent thing to do.”

A Future Without Clarkson?

As the situation unfolds, there are already whispers about who could replace Clarkson should she choose to step away. Reports suggest that executives are eyeing former TODAY host Hoda Kotb, 60, as a potential successor.

Given The Kelly Clarkson Show’s strong ratings since its 2019 debut, it’s no surprise that network leaders are determined to ensure the show’s future—even if that means finding a new face to carry it forward.

Though executives are reportedly doing all they can to convince Clarkson to stay, it remains unclear whether their efforts will be successful.

The star appears torn between her love for music, her responsibilities to her team, and the toll the show has taken on her well-being.

Only time will tell if Kelly Clarkson ultimately decides to step away from daytime television—or if she’ll find a way to reclaim her footing and continue to lead the show she helped build.

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