The Kelly Clarkson Show sets a clear expectation with its name. It’s a show hosted by Kelly Clarkson. But off and on for the past week, The Kelly Clarkson Show has aired without its namesake host. Clarkson was first absent on February 28 when comedian Roy Wood Jr. stepped in for her, simply sharing that he was there “to fill in for Kelly.” Actor Simu Liu guest-hosted on March 3, telling the audience he’d found out “about five minutes ago.” “Kelly actually isn’t able to make it today,” he told the audience. “We are sending her our very best.” Clarkson returned on March 4 and 5 with no details on her absence, but Wood was once again scheduled to host on March 6. She has been absent ever since — even missing her show’s thousandth episode on March 7.
Since Clarkson’s been gone, actor and model Brooke Shields and NBC anchor Willie Geist have also taken over her show. Singers Marc Broussard and Josh Groban have stepped up for Kellyoke with “Cameo-ke” performances. Model Molly Sims is slated to host the show on March 13 and 14, while actor Kal Penn is up on March 17. Clarkson is finally set to return on Tuesday, March 18 — though Andy Cohen of Watch What Happens Live! is taking the March 19 episode before she’s fully back on the couch. Thank God, because we can’t go much longer without our Kellyokes.
