Kelly Clarkson says she has “lost a lot” as she marks 1,000th episode of chat show

Kelly Clarkson celebrated the 1,000th episode of her US chat show by sharing that she had “lost a lot” since the show began.

The ‘Since U Been Gone’ singer began hosting The Kelly Clarkson Show in September 2019, and it has aired on weekday afternoons on NBC ever since. On Thursday (March 20), she hosted the landmark episode and shared an emotional opening monologue with the live audience.

“I can’t believe today marks the 1,000th, it’s crazy,” she said. “We have met some hugely talented people, tons of big stars and inspiring everyday heroes.”

She went on to speak about the challenges that the show has overcome in its five and a half years on air, including navigating COVID-19. “A lot of ups and downs personally as well,” she added.

“For 1,000 episodes, we have laughed together, we have cried together with beautiful stories, sang together with some people, danced together, celebrated and competed together”.

“I’ve lost, alone, a lot,” she continued, possibly referring to her journey through weight loss. “And along the way, we found comfort in one another. And looking back, we are all incredibly proud of what we’ve built and the community we’ve created. I am grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey. It has been such a cool time. Thank you so much.”

Clarkson spoke openly last year about the “extraordinarily hard” depression that she went through following her divorce from Brandon Blackstock in 2022. The couple share two children, and reflecting on the separation, she said: “You feel alone, and it’s just a blessing to be able to have that outlet [of making music and hosting her show] for those emotions that are overwhelming.”

The singer has faced allegations that the show has been a toxic work environment in the past, with members of staff accusing producers of “overworking” and “underpaying” employees. Clarkson said the team would reinforce a positive work environment by introducing new leadership training for all current employees.

The Kelly Clarkson Show is well known for its ‘Kellyoke’ segment, in which the host performs esoteric cover versions of beloved pop and alternative classics, including in recent times Billie Eilish’s ‘Birds Of A Feather’, as well as tracks by Weezer, Chappell Roan, The Last Dinner Party, and My Chemical Romance, among others. It also birthed a covers EP by Clarkson in 2022.

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