Kelly Clarkson’s absence from her eponymous daytime talk show continued on Wednesday as Willie Geist stepped in to host the program.
“I am very much not Kelly Clarkson, and I’m sorry for that,” he began. “I’m Willie Geist, and I will be your guest host for the hour ahead.”
Although Clarkson wasn’t there in person, she was in spirit during Geist’s introduction. The Morning Joe co-host read a list of things he wrote as a kid that he wanted to do by the age of 50.
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“And now this one I can really finally cross off my list — guest-host a talk show normally hosted by the winner of a national singing competition. Oddly specific and predictive for a 12-year-old,” he joked.
“So guys, let’s get this show going. Since Kelly can’t be here today, she invited another talented artist to do the opening … give it up for Marc Broussard.”
The American Idol alum has not hosted The Kelly Clarkson Show since March 5 and her lengthy absence has not been addressed, leaving some viewers worried. Yahoo Entertainment contacted Clarkson’s rep and NBCU for comment but did not receive responses.
Here’s what we know.
Clarkson missed her first show on March 3
The “Since U Been Gone” singer had her first unexpected absence last Monday when actor Simu Liu stepped in at the last minute.
“Kelly isn’t able to make it today. We’re sending her our very best,” he said at the top of the show. “I did not know that I was doing this until about five minutes ago when I arrived to promote my new movie, Last Breath.”
Clarkson doesn’t address absence in brief return
Clarkson hosted back-to-back shows starting on March 4 but didn’t mention anything out of the ordinary. However, on March 5, she didn’t perform the fan favorite “Kellyoke” segment and instead pulled from the show’s archives. The singer has not hosted since last Wednesday.
What have guest hosts said?
When Clarkson was out on March 6, Roy Wood Jr. hosted the program.
“Kelly’s out for the day, but please don’t worry. I’m back as guest host,” the comedian began as he promised the audience they’re “in good hands.”
On March 7, Wanda Sykes and Josh Groban split duties, with the comedian hosting the first half of the show.
“[Kelly] asked if I could co-host, and I said absolutely. There’s nothing I’d rather be doing on my birthday than daytime TV,” Sykes said. “It really is my birthday today. I agreed to host just so I could get applause on my birthday.”
Clarkson didn’t return after the weekend, as Monday and Tuesday’s shows were hosted by Brooke Shields.
“Even though I’m Brooke Shields, I am your host for today and also for tomorrow,” the actress said on March 10. “With Kelly out today, I’m very happy to be able to be here to help out another mama.”
Clarkson has two children with ex-husband Brandon Blackstock: River, 10, and Remy, 8.
Clarkson expected to be out rest of the week
The Kelly Clarkson Show’s official Instagram account released a schedule, and it doesn’t appear the singer will be back this week. Molly Sims looks to be hosting on Thursday and Friday.
Viewers express concern
Fans responded to the show’s above post with multiple “where’s Kelly???” and “is Kelly OK?” comments. Similar sentiment was expressed on X.
