Kelly Clarkson has humorously suggested she was "fired by NBC" as her talk show, "The Kelly Clarkson Show," prepares for its final episode. The comment came during a performance at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas.
Clarkson confirmed earlier this year that she would be stepping away from her talk show after seven years to dedicate more time to her children. The decision followed the death of their father and her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, last year. The final episode is slated to air this fall.
"I would get fired by NBC, but I don't work there anymore," Clarkson told concertgoers, according to Us Weekly. She also expressed sadness about the show's end, describing it as "a fun show."
"The Kelly Clarkson Show" premiered on September 9, 2019, and ran for seven seasons. Production wrapped at the beginning of the summer.
Clarkson stated in February that the decision to step away was not easy but was necessary to support her daughter, River, 12, and son, Remy, 10, following their father's passing. Blackstock died in August of the previous year at age 48 after a three-year battle with cancer.
Clarkson and Blackstock were married for nearly seven years before separating in 2020 and finalizing their divorce in 2022. She took a hiatus after his death before returning to the show, only to announce her departure months later.
Speaking on the "Today" show in February, Clarkson explained that prioritizing her children felt "necessary and right for this next chapter of [their] lives." She acknowledged that the family dynamic had changed and that life's preciousness had become more apparent.
"I know everybody thinks, 'Oh, she's quitting,' but I still have other jobs. I'm still doing stuff," she said at the time. "There's just too much on the plate. I was like, 'You know what, it's time to kinda pull back.'"
Clarkson is also returning to her musical career. She kicked off her Las Vegas residency on Friday and is scheduled to perform at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace through mid-August. Additionally, she will return as a coach on "The Voice" for its upcoming 30th season.
In her February statement shared via Instagram, Clarkson assured fans, "This isn't goodbye." She added, "I'll still be making music, playing shows here and there and you may catch me on The Voice from time to time... you never know where I might show up next."
