Kelly Clarkson Says Ending Daytime Show Was ‘Hard’ But ‘An Easy Decision as a Mama’

Rolling Stone
by Maya Georgi
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Kelly Clarkson has revealed that ending *The Kelly Clarkson Show* after seven seasons was a difficult yet necessary decision for her family. In an interview on the *Today Show*, Clarkson explained that her priority shifted to her children, leading her to step back from the daily grind of the show. Despite its success and popularity, she chose to focus on her role as a mother, calling it "an easy decision as a mama." Clarkson clarified that her departure wasn’t due to poor performance or dissatisfaction but rather the need to balance her career with her family’s well-being. She expressed gratitude for her incredible team and crew, acknowledging their dedication and the challenges they faced when she decided to step away. Clarkson also shared how stepping back from the show allowed her to prioritize her kids, which she described as "necessary and right" for this chapter of her life. In a social media post announcing the cancellation, Clarkson emphasized her appreciation for the show’s journey and the people involved. She highlighted the importance of being present for her children
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Originally published on Rolling Stone on 2/20/2026