Kelly Clarkson on Interview Style: “I Just Want People to Feel Safe and Comfortable”

As the highly anticipated Season 6 of The Kelly Clarkson Show gears up for its Monday, September 23 premiere, host Kelly Clarkson is giving fans a glimpse into her unique approach to interviewing. Known for her warmth and candidness, Clarkson is making it clear that the comfort of her guests is her top priority.

When asked about her interview style and what she’s learned from being in the hot seat herself, Clarkson shared her insights with the Associated Press. Reflecting on her experiences of being interviewed many times over the years, she noted the challenges that often come with promoting a project while navigating uncomfortable questions:

“I know what the receiving end feels like. You just want to promote something that you’re proud of, and then having to shadowbox your way through an interview so somebody is not trying to make their career off something they try and get you to say — it’s just gross and it’s hurtful.”

This sensitivity has shaped how Clarkson conducts her own interviews. She’s careful to avoid putting her guests in tough or uncomfortable situations, choosing instead to foster an atmosphere of openness and mutual respect. The singer and talk show host highlighted that she’s learned to guide interviews in a way that ensures everyone feels at ease:

“There’s been certain things, like where I help navigate the interview in a way that I’m comfortable. I never ask someone something that I wouldn’t mind answering. I definitely have been on the receiving end of that in a positive way and in a very negative way. I just want people to feel safe and comfortable because it’s supposed to be a good time, you know?”

As a host, Clarkson is more than familiar with the pressures of being interviewed. Her empathy for her guests is rooted in those experiences, which makes her show a refreshing change in the often sensationalized world of celebrity interviews. Clarkson’s goal is simple: to make the experience enjoyable for her guests and audience alike.

But who are the dream guests Clarkson would love to have on her show? For her, the list of icons she’s already hosted is impressive. She counts legends like Dolly Parton, Cher, Heart, Alanis Morissette, and Babyface among her favorites. In fact, she can’t help but fangirl over some of the stars she’s had the opportunity to meet, even beyond music:

“I hung out with Dolly Parton and Cher and Heart and Alanis Morissette and Babyface and like all these artists that I love musically. And then I got to hang out with Josh Brolin, who was like in ‘The Goonies’ and he’s Thanos, and it’s like, so cool!”

Getting a chance to chat with some of her heroes is one of the biggest highlights for Clarkson, but there’s still one name she hasn’t crossed off her list yet—Meryl Streep. The multi-talented actress holds a special place in Clarkson’s heart:

“I always say Meryl Streep—she is one of my favorites in the industry, whether it’s singing or acting or whatever.”

As The Kelly Clarkson Show returns, viewers can expect more heartfelt conversations, genuine interactions, and the signature Clarkson charm that continues to win over both her guests and audience.