Photo Credit: Y! Entertainment
Despite a year marked by loss, juggling multiple projects, and public speculation, Kelly Clarkson is confirmed to return to daytime television. The Kelly Clarkson Show is slated for a brand-new seventh season this fall, with production plans targeting a September return――a full commitment to carrying on, even in the midst of grieving her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock, who passed away on August 7 after a three-and-a-half-year fight with melanoma.
The Drama Behind the Comeback
A Return with Heavy Hearts
The news arrives just days after Blackstock’s death was made public. TMZ reports that despite the singer’s profound grief, the talk show remains on schedule (“locked for a 7th season”) and will begin airing fresh episodes in September.
Clarkson’s absence earlier this year—particularly in March—sparked widespread fan concern, with celebrity guest hosts stepping in. Now it’s clear these gaps were rooted in deeply personal circumstances: caring for her ailing ex and navigating loss. The production team had known about Blackstock’s illness but kept it private to safeguard Clarkson’s and her family’s privacy.
Network Renewal and No Official Date Yet
NBCUniversal confirmed the show’s renewal beyond the current season, paving the way for Season 7. Notably, there’s still no official premiere date, only a target window—September 2025.
Executive leadership continues to champion the show. In December 2024, Tracie Wilson, EVP of Syndication Studios and E! News at NBCUniversal, praised Clarkson as a “national treasure” and praised the show’s cross-generational appeal.
What Fans Are Saying: Reddit and Instagram React
While no specific Instagram stories by Clarkson have addressed her return, fans have turned the platform into a space of support and anticipation. Across Clarkson’s social media pages, recent posts featuring fond clips from previous seasons are captioned with messages like “Season 7, please make us laugh again” and “Can’t wait to see Kelly back in her element.”
On Reddit, users have been vocal:
“Knowing she’s pushing through this storm and still coming back is so Kelly—resilient and authentic.”
“I just hope she takes the time she needs; I’ll welcome her back when she’s ready.”
These exchanges reflect a deep emotional connection between Clarkson and her audience—support that will clearly matter when she returns. (Unofficial quotes from widely-viewed threads on r/celebtalk and r/KellyClarksonShow.)
Balancing a High-Stakes Schedule
Clarkson’s plate is undeniably full. In addition to her daytime show return, she’s set to launch a four-part primetime music and interview series titled Songs and Stories with Kelly Clarkson on August 19. She is also expected to return to The Voice as a coach for its revamped 29th season in 2026.
An insider previously revealed that Clarkson has been weighing the challenge of maintaining a demanding production schedule while being a mother and artist. She considered a shift-based work structure once her contract ends in 2026.