'I've Lost, Alone, a Lot': Kelly Clarkson Returns With Cryptic Message
Kelly Clarkson, 2018. Department of Defense photo by Master Sgt Stephen Schester. Public domain.
Kelly Clarkson has been missing from her own talk show for weeks — and fans are still wondering what exactly is going on. The "Since U Been Gone" singer and daytime darling has been noticeably absent from "The Kelly Clarkson Show" multiple times this March, leaving a revolving door of celebrity guest hosts to fill in last-minute. From Simu Liu to Brooke Shields, Josh Groban to Kal Penn, a star-studded cast has been holding down the fort. But Clarkson's extended time away — and her silence about it — has raised eyebrows and questions.
A Vanishing Host and a Starry Lineup of Replacements
It all started on March 3, when actor Simu Liu showed up to promote his new movie "Last Breath" and was suddenly asked to host the show instead. "I did not know that I was doing this until about five minutes ago," Liu told the audience, according to Entertainment Weekly. "I know this may shock many of you. But Kelly actually isn't able to make it today. We're sending her our very best."
Clarkson briefly returned the next two days without explanation, only to disappear again on March 6. From there, celebrity hosts like Roy Wood Jr., Wanda Sykes, Josh Groban, Brooke Shields, Molly Sims, Willie Geist, Andy Cohen, and others each stepped into the spotlight.
A source told Entertainment Tonight that Clarkson had a "sudden family emergency," but offered no further details, according to Taste of Country, which reported that another insider confirmed that Clarkson was not sick.
A Cryptic Return
Clarkson made her return on March 18, hosting guests Adam Scott and Marc Rebillet. But she didn't address the mystery at all. The following day, Andy Cohen was back in the host's seat — meaning her presence remained on-again, off-again.
It wasn't until the show's 1,000th episode on March 20 that Clarkson hinted, somewhat cryptically, at having faced personal challenges.
"I've lost, alone, a lot," she said during a monologue, before quickly adding, "It's OK," FOX News reported.
Clarkson has previously been open about the struggles of her 2020 divorce from ex-husband and former manager Brandon Blackstock, including the emotional toll it took on her and her kids.
Clarkson also reflected on the journey of her show, saying she and her team had "created a community and supported each other through a lot of ups and downs," as reported by Fox News. She thanked fans, saying, "I am grateful to everyone who has been a part of this journey."
What's Next?
Despite the lack of details about her absence, Clarkson is expected to continue hosting her show — for now. She's also gearing up for her Las Vegas residency, which kicks off July 4, 2025, at Caesars Palace, according to PEOPLE.
In the meantime, fans are left wondering what's really going on behind the scenes — and whether Clarkson's hint about loss was just a passing comment, or a subtle message to her audience.
References: Why Isn't Kelly Clarkson on Her Show? What We Know About Her Ongoing Absence from The Kelly Clarkson Show (and Who Is Guest Hosting Instead) | Did Kelly Clarkson Just Hint At Her Mysterious Absence On Her Show? | Kelly Clarkson confesses she's 'lost' a lot as she returns to talk show after mysterious absence | Simu Liu claims he only had 5-minute warning before guest hosting The Kelly Clarkson Show
