Kelly Clarkson Says She’s ‘Lost, Alone, a Lot’ as She Marks 1000th Episode of Talk Show After Unexplained Absence

“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,” she said. “I’ve lost, alone, a lot.”

Kelly Clarkson is reflecting on the past six years as she celebrates the 1,000th episode of her eponymous daytime talk show. 

For the Thursday, March 20 episode, the Grammy-winning singer and television host, 42, welcomed her audience with a heartfelt speech on how the program has grown since its Sept. 9, 2019 debut on NBC. 

“Welcome to the Kelly Clarkson Show and our 1,000th episode,” the “Since U Been Gone” singer said as she excitedly marked her return following an unexplained absence.

“I cannot believe today marks the 1,000th. It’s crazy,” she added of the five-and-a-half-year journey. 

Clarkson continued, “We have met some hugely talented people, tons of big stars and inspiring everyday heroes.”

The American Idol alum reflected on how she and her team (and of course, her fans) have “created a community and supported each other through a lot of ups and downs.” 

“A lot of ups and downs personally as well,” she joked, seemingly referencing her own life. 

Clarkson also recalled going through the COVID-19 pandemic together, plus sending her audience on international trips to destinations like London and Australia. 

The “Miss Independent” hitmaker shared how she hosted her show “with an eye patch and with my leg in a cast,” making sure to note that “those were two different shows, ‘cause that’s who I am.”

She recalled when she told her producers how much she loves magic tricks — and that she did not know how to cook. “Still can’t cook,” she playfully admitted. 

Mentioning holiday show traditions, furry animals as guests, relocating the Kelly Clarkson Show to New York and more, the host also looked back on some of the emotional moments.

“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,” she said.

“I’ve lost, alone, a lot,” Clarkson added. After hearing a laugh from the audience she replied, “It’s OK.”

“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,” Clarkson said. “I am grateful to everyone who has been a part of this journey. It has been such a cool time. Thank you so much.”

Her return to the program was a festive one after she was noticeably absent from her hosting duties the week prior.

She kicked off the episode with a performance of Whitney Houston‘s “I Have Nothing” alongside bandmates Jason Halbert and Jaco Caraco. Guests included Tyler Perry and Alicia Vikander, who brought soft licorice, a special Swedish candy, for Clarkson to try in honor of the special show. Her musical guest was Venezuelan duo Mau y Ricky, who performed their latest single “Noche de Luna.”

Since her time began hosting the show, she’s gone through changes in her personal life. The singer and her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, were married for nearly seven years before splitting in June 2020.

In addition to the dissolution of her marriage, she also embarked on a weight loss journey. 

“I was going through a really rough few years, and even in the first season it was rough behind closed doors,” Clarkson told PEOPLE of her growth in a January 2025 cover story. “Just to be able to come into season 5 feeling good and knowing my kids feel good — and the dust has settled. Season 5 is my first season to actually enjoy every minute of it.”