Kelly Clarkson Returns with a Bang: The Best Moments from the 1000th Episode!

March 20, 2025, marked a landmark moment in daytime television as The Kelly Clarkson Show aired its monumental 1000th episode—an emotional, star-studded celebration that doubled as Kelly Clarkson’s long-awaited return to the stage after a mysterious hiatus. Taped at the show’s current home in New York’s iconic 30 Rockefeller Plaza, the episode delivered exactly what fans hoped for: powerhouse vocals, heartfelt reflections, A-list guests, and a sense of genuine connection that only Clarkson can bring.

A Milestone Years in the Making

Since its premiere on September 9, 2019, The Kelly Clarkson Show has been a staple of daytime TV, blending celebrity interviews, moving human-interest stories, and Clarkson’s signature “Kellyoke” performances. The show, produced by NBCUniversal and executive produced by Alex Duda, Karen Gunning, and Clarkson herself, made the leap to NYC for its fifth season in 2023 and has only grown in scope and spirit since.

The 1000th episode aired on a Thursday at its usual 3 p.m. NBC slot, following a stretch of guest-hosted episodes featuring stars like Brooke Shields, Kal Penn, Simu Liu, and Andy Cohen. Fan speculation swirled about Clarkson’s absence—but her triumphant return put all concerns to rest.

Kelly’s Heartfelt Homecoming

Opening the show, Clarkson delivered a powerful and emotional speech that was both a thank-you to her viewers and a vulnerable glimpse into her journey. “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. Choking up at times, she added, “I’ve lost, alone, a lot,” before reassuring fans, “It’s okay.”

Her reflections touched on the resilience it took to keep the show alive through personal challenges, including moments when she hosted with an eye patch or a leg cast, and during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was an open-hearted moment that reminded everyone why Clarkson remains one of the most relatable figures in entertainment.

A Whitney Houston Tribute to Remember

No Kelly Clarkson Show celebration is complete without “Kellyoke”—and Clarkson delivered in full force with a stunning cover of Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing.” Her powerhouse vocals and emotional delivery set the tone for the milestone episode, earning praise across social media and music sites. It was a reminder of why Clarkson is often dubbed the “queen of covers”—and why her fans stick with her through every twist and turn.

Star Power on the Couch: Tyler Perry and Alicia Vikander

Clarkson welcomed two major stars to help mark the occasion: Tyler Perry and Alicia Vikander. Perry, a longtime supporter of the show, joined to discuss his new Amazon Prime thriller Duplicity and tease Sister Act 3, sending waves of excitement through the audience.

In a chaotic and caffeine-fueled exchange, Clarkson brought her signature energy to the table, joking with Perry until Vikander joined in with Swedish licorice in hand. The three engaged in a playful debate about seeing the future—a surprisingly philosophical detour that showed off Clarkson’s ability to pivot between levity and depth with ease.

Music with Heart: Mau y Ricky Light Up the Stage

The Venezuelan brother duo Mau y Ricky brought global flavor to the episode with a performance of their single “Noche de Luna.” Sons of iconic artist Ricardo Montaner, the musicians also shared stories about growing up in a musical household. Their vibrant performance was a festive touch that underscored the show’s musical diversity and commitment to spotlighting international talent.

Looking Ahead

As The Kelly Clarkson Show heads toward its seventh season, recently greenlit in December 2024, the 1000th episode serves as both a reflection of the show’s enduring charm and a statement of what’s still to come. Clarkson’s ability to connect—through song, story, and spirit—has proven timeless.

In an era of fleeting attention spans and rotating daytime hosts, Kelly Clarkson’s authenticity and heart have helped build not just a talk show, but a community. And if this milestone episode is any indication, that community isn’t going anywhere.