As whispers grow louder about Kelly Clarkson potentially stepping away from her hit daytime talk show, NBC may already have a familiar face in mind to fill the host’s chair: none other than veteran broadcaster Hoda Kotb.
According to a network insider who spoke to The Post, Kotb is among the early names being considered should Clarkson choose to return to music full-time. “There’s a long list of names and Hoda is part of that list,” the insider revealed. “NBC never wanted Hoda to leave. The question is, would Hoda want to do it?”
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That question could carry a hefty price tag. With Clarkson’s contract set to expire next year, network executives are reportedly preparing for all possible outcomes, especially as the singer focuses on her upcoming ninth studio album and summer Las Vegas residency. Her decision to stay or go may hinge on how those projects perform.
“If the album doesn’t do well, she might want to keep her talk show,” the insider noted. “But she has a lot going on, and the timing may be right for the next chapter.”
Kotb, 60, stepped away from Today earlier this year, but NBC has clearly kept the door open for her return to a different kind of spotlight. A seasoned media personality with a warm on-air presence, Kotb could bring both familiarity and stability to the syndicated show if Clarkson departs.
“Hoda ticks a lot of boxes. She’s an Egyptian, older Kelly Clarkson,” the source said, offering an unusually specific compliment that underscores her broad appeal.
Meanwhile, another name quietly being floated in executive circles is Maria Shriver, a respected journalist and former First Lady of California. A second insider confirmed to The Post that Shriver is also in the conversation, although no official shortlist has been announced.
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Speculation ramped up recently when Clarkson was absent from her show for nearly two weeks, with NBC attributing her hiatus to a “personal matter.” Though the show returned without incident, her brief disappearance only fueled rumors about her future with the network.
Whether NBC ultimately taps Kotb, Shriver, or surprises viewers with a completely fresh face, one thing is certain: the network is bracing for change and keeping its options open as Clarkson weighs her next move. For now, fans of The Kelly Clarkson Show will have to wait and see if the mic stays in her hand — or is passed to a new voice.
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