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Hoda Kotb Rumored as Potential Replacement for Kelly Clarkson

Hoda Kotb Rumored as Potential Replacement for Kelly Clarkson

New York, NY – May 9, 2025 – Former Today show anchor Hoda Kotb has emerged as a potential candidate to replace Kelly Clarkson as the host of The Kelly Clarkson Show, according to a report by the New York Post on May 8, 2025. Speculation about Clarkson’s future has intensified due to her recent absences and reported feelings of being overwhelmed, prompting NBC to consider Kotb among other high-profile names for the daytime talk show slot. While Kotb is not confirmed as the “first in line,” her established presence at NBC and audience appeal make her a strong contender. Below is a detailed analysis of the rumor, its context, and the factors driving the speculation.

Background and Source of the Rumor

The rumor originates from a New York Post article citing an anonymous network insider who claimed Kotb is on a “long list” of potential replacements for Clarkson, should she choose to leave The Kelly Clarkson Show when her contract ends in 2026 (New York Post, May 8, 2025). The insider noted, “There’s a long list of names and Hoda is part of that list,” adding that “NBC never wanted Hoda to leave. The question is would Hoda want to do it?” The report was amplified by X posts, including one from @AlexSteigrad, the Post’s media reporter, stating, “Hoda Kotb ‘on list’ to replace Kelly Clarkson as NBC daytime talk show host” (X post:1), and another from @PopCulture, which framed Kotb as “rumored to replace” Clarkson (X post:2).

Additional sources, such as the National Enquirer (May 7, 2025), echoed the claim, with an X post from @LaurenSexyGirl asserting Kotb is “in talks” for Clarkson’s spot (X post:4). However, these reports lack confirmation from NBC, Kotb, or Clarkson, and the Post emphasizes that no decision has been made, as Clarkson’s departure remains speculative.

Why Hoda Kotb?

Kotb’s potential candidacy is driven by several factors:

  • NBC Tenure and Recognition: Kotb, 60, spent nearly three decades at NBC, joining as a Dateline correspondent in 1998 and co-hosting Today’s fourth hour from 2007, later becoming co-anchor of the first hour with Savannah Guthrie from 2018 until her exit in January 2025 (HELLO!, April 30, 2024). Her Emmy and Peabody awards, along with her warm, relatable persona, make her a trusted figure for daytime audiences (Kelly Clarkson Show website). The Post source described her as “an Egyptian, older Kelly Clarkson,” highlighting her diverse background and appeal (New York Post, May 8, 2025).
  • Work-Life Balance: Kotb left Today to prioritize time with her daughters, Haley (9) and Hope (5), citing the grueling morning show schedule (USA Today, January 7, 2025). The Post suggests The Kelly Clarkson Show’s schedule—taping two episodes daily at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.—offers a “cakewalk” compared to Today’s early hours, potentially aligning with Kotb’s desire for better balance (New York Post, May 8, 2025).
  • Existing Relationship with NBC: Kotb remains part of the “NBC family,” with plans to stay involved in unspecified projects (HELLO!, January 10, 2025). Her familiarity with the network and its audience makes her a low-risk choice, as NBC reportedly “never wanted Hoda to leave” (New York Post, May 8, 2025).
  • Audience Overlap: Both Kotb and Clarkson share a demographic of viewers drawn to their authentic, empathetic hosting styles. Kotb’s prior appearances on The Kelly Clarkson Show, including a January 6, 2025, episode where she discussed her wellness venture, demonstrate their chemistry and mutual respect (Good Housekeeping, January 9, 2025).

Kelly Clarkson’s Status and Speculation

The rumor stems from uncertainty about Clarkson’s commitment to her talk show, now in its sixth season:

  • Absences and Overwhelm: Clarkson, 42, was absent for a two-week period (10 episodes) in April 2025 for an unspecified “personal matter,” with guest hosts like Andy Cohen filling in (New York Post, May 8, 2025). A Daily Mail report from March 31, 2025, claimed she felt “overwhelmed” by the show’s demands, including singing and hosting, and was contemplating leaving to focus on her children, River (10) and Remington (8) (Daily Mail, March 31, 2025). Her emotional remarks during the show’s 1,000th episode, admitting to feeling “lost, alone, a lot,” fueled speculation (New York Post, May 8, 2025).
  • Competing Commitments: Clarkson’s upcoming album release in June 2025 and a Las Vegas residency through summer and fall 2025 add to her workload, potentially straining her ability to continue the show (New York Post, May 8, 2025). The Post suggests her “grueling” schedule and desire to relocate “down South” with her kids may prompt an exit when her contract ends in 2026.
  • Contract Renewal: Despite rumors, Clarkson signed on for a seventh season of The Kelly Clarkson Show in December 2024, set to air through 2026, per NBCUniversal’s Tracie Wilson (Irish Star, April 1, 2025). This commitment undermines claims of an imminent departure, though the Post notes her contract’s end could open the door for a transition.

Other Candidates and NBC’s Strategy

Kotb is not the only name in consideration. The New York Post lists past guest hosts Wanda Sykes, Willie Geist, and Josh Groban, as well as former Today weekend anchor Maria Shriver, as potential replacements (New York Post, May 8, 2025). The network’s approach mirrors its handling of Kotb’s Today exit, where Today with Hoda & Jenna was rebranded as Today with Jenna & Friends, featuring rotating celebrity co-hosts like Taraji P. Henson, Eva Longoria, and Scarlett Johansson (Entertainment Weekly, January 7, 2025). An NBC insider told Page Six that the network is “not close to naming a permanent co-host” for Today’s fourth hour, suggesting a similar open-ended strategy for Clarkson’s potential replacement (IMDb, 2025).

Counterpoints and Skepticism

Several factors cast doubt on Kotb taking over Clarkson’s show:

  • Kotb’s Wellness Venture: Kotb is focused on launching a wellness app and company in spring 2025, involving retreats and a podcast, as announced on The Kelly Clarkson Show (USA Today, January 7, 2025). Her memoir, Jump and Find Joy: Embracing Change in Every Season of Life, set for release on September 23, 2025, further occupies her time (SheKnows, March 10, 2025). These commitments may deter her from returning to a demanding TV role.
  • Work-Life Balance Concerns: Kotb left Today to prioritize her daughters, citing their rapid growth (Entertainment Weekly, January 7, 2025)