Celebrating 1,000 Episodes
Kelly Clarkson addressed her recent personal challenges while celebrating the milestone of the 1,000th episode of her daytime talk show on Thursday. This celebration came after a series of mysterious absences that had caused concern among her fans.
Reflections on the Journey
In a promotional clip for the episode, the 42-year-old singer exclaimed, “Welcome to the Kelly Clarkson Show and our 1,000th episode.” She reminisced about the show’s debut on September 9, 2019, noting the incredible journey of producing 999 episodes over the past five and a half years. “I can’t believe we’ve reached 1,000. It’s unbelievable,” she added.
Sharing Experiences and Personal Growth
Clarkson reflected on the talented guests and everyday heroes she has encountered throughout the series. “We have built a community and supported one another through many ups and downs,” she stated, before humorously acknowledging, “A lot of ups and downs personally as well,” alluding to her own life experiences.
Channeling Challenges into Connection
She highlighted the show’s relocation from LA to New York and the unique challenges of filming during the COVID-19 pandemic. “For 1,000 episodes, we have laughed, cried, sung, and danced together,” she expressed, sharing her emotional journey. “I’ve lost a lot along the way,” she said, hinting at her recent divorce from ex-husband Brandon Blackstock and her impressive 60-pound weight loss.
Building Community and Gratitude
“And along the way, we found comfort in one another,” Clarkson continued, reflecting on the pride she feels in their achievements. She concluded her message with gratitude, saying, “I am thankful for everyone who has been part of this journey. It has been such a rewarding time. Thank you so much.”
Recent Absent Moments and Return
Clarkson’s recent absence from several episodes had led to apprehension among her followers. She had called in celebrities like Kal Penn and Roy Wood Jr. to fill in for her. Though she had missed a few episodes, her absence on March 3, when it was announced she couldn’t make it, triggered significant concern. Nonetheless, she returned for the significant milestone episode amid clarifications and reassurances from show staff about her absences.
Show Executives Responding to Concerns
Show executive producer Alex Duda downplayed the concerns, suggesting that guest hosts were a common occurrence in every season. “It’s all in good fun. People care about Kelly, and that’s wonderful to see,” she noted. Tracie Wilson from NBCUniversal echoed those sentiments, recognizing the audience’s affection for Clarkson and affirming that guest hosts have happened many times before.
