Kelly Clarkson 'tormented' over quitting her talk show as it would affect livelihood of 100 employees

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Kelly Clarkson feels 'tormented' by her decision to leave 'The Kelly Clarkson Show' and not renew her lucrative NBC contract; she also feels that it could impact the around 100 employees of the show, sources informed the Daily Mail.

The 43-year-old songstress has made it clear that she is unhappy with how her daytime slot has taken over her life and is affecting her music career.

Kelly Clarkson feels 'tormented' by her decision to quit the show 

Insiders informed Daily Mail that Clarkson is most concerned about the staff losing their jobs if she does not renew her contract, which is reportedly worth almost $13 million.

Meanwhile, tensions on set and questions about her future have prompted employees to begin searching for alternative roles. 

However, the former 'American Idol' winner feels her loyal staffers, who will stay behind when she quits, may be forced out.

Moreover, two different staffers on the show, including a producer, told the outlet that Clarkson is "tormented" by the decision that could affect 100 employees.

A staffer said, "She's made it very clear that she doesn't want her decisions to affect all of our livelihoods... but it's a bit late for that now."

"I get that she's conflicted but when she says things publicly, it makes the public feel like she doesn't want to be here. And if she doesn't want to be here, why should they tune in?" the staffer added.

Moreover, Clarkson has had meetings with high-level producers regarding the show's future, per the Daily Mail.

A staffer said, "She was emotional. She was worried about the staff and had a bit of a breakdown about it."

Clarkson was reportedly absent from her show for many episodes in March 2025, prompting producers to replace her with guest hosts.

However, when she returned to work, she did not explain the absence.

Kelly Clarkson wants to return to her musical roots

During an Atlantic City concert in May, Clarkson expressed her wish to return to her musical roots.

She told the crowd, "We haven't done a [singing] show in a while, y'all, cause I have a talk show. It's like a whole other job. We are bummed 'cause we love doing [singing] shows, and it's hard to fit it in."

Moreover, when a fan told her she looked "sexy" up on stage, she confessed that she often feels frustrated by keeping similar compliments to herself at work.

She said, "Every time I go to an HR meeting, I'm like, 'How have I not been fired?'... they say you're not allowed to say someone looks attractive, and I say f*** that."

"Because some of those b*****s are out here working, and we're trying, and I want every motherf****r that passes me to go, 'Damn. Well done'," she added.

Interestingly, Clarkson launched her music label - High Road Records - in 2024. She will start a Las Vegas residency, Kelly Clarkson: Studio Sessions, on July 4 to August 16, and November 7 to 15.

Meanwhile, Clarkson's staffer said that her recent actions have put their jobs in jeopardy.

The insider said, "I cringed when I heard her comments. It's just not a good look, you know? You don't want the person whose name is on the show to be trashing the show. Some things just need to be family business."