Hoda Kotb FINALLY reveals if she will take over The Kelly Clarkson Show after Today departure.

In the world of daytime television, few personalities carry as much warmth, credibility, and connection with audiences as Hoda Kotb. For years, she’s been a staple on Today, greeting millions of viewers with her signature blend of empathy and insight. So when Hoda announced her departure from the Today show earlier this year, fans were stunned. The news ignited immediate speculation: What’s next for Hoda Kotb?

Among the many rumors swirling through media circles, one in particular caught fire — the idea that Hoda Kotb was being positioned to take over The Kelly Clarkson Show. With Kelly’s contract reportedly ending in the near future and her career branching in new directions, whispers of Hoda as her replacement gained traction. But now, after weeks of silence, Hoda has finally addressed the buzz — and what she said might surprise you.

During a recent on-air appearance with her former Today co-anchors, Hoda decisively shut down the speculation. “Delete, delete. Not true,” she said with a smile, clearly amused by the fervor the rumors had created. She went on to emphasize her deep connection to Today, stating that the only place she’d ever consider returning to full-time would be that very studio. “This is home,” she said simply — and fans knew she meant it.

However, that’s not the end of the story.

Just a few days after her clear denial, Hoda appeared on a late-night talk show and offered a slightly more nuanced take. When asked if she would ever consider hosting a show like Kelly’s, she admitted, “I’m a never-say-never kind of person.” While maintaining that she had no plans in motion, Hoda acknowledged that television was her “first love” and hinted that opportunities often arise when you least expect them. Her honesty left the door slightly ajar, leading fans to wonder whether her initial statement had been more about timing than finality.

To understand the full picture, it’s important to consider why Hoda stepped away from Today in the first place. Behind her decision lies a deeply personal reason: her family. Hoda is the proud mother of two adopted daughters, Haley and Hope, both under the age of 10. In early 2025, she revealed that her youngest daughter had been diagnosed with a chronic medical condition requiring round-the-clock care. After years of balancing motherhood with the rigorous demands of live television, Hoda made the heartfelt decision to prioritize her family’s needs.

The shift in focus didn’t mean she was stepping away from the public eye entirely. Around the same time she exited Today, Hoda unveiled a brand-new personal venture — a wellness platform called Joy 101. Designed to guide people toward mindfulness, joy, and emotional well-being, Joy 101 includes podcasts, digital resources, live events, and even wellness retreats. For Hoda, the project is more than a career pivot — it’s a calling. She has spoken openly about the transformative power of healing practices, meditation, journaling, and community — tools she personally turned to during some of life’s hardest chapters.

So, with Joy 101 gaining momentum and her focus centered on her daughters, does a return to daytime TV really make sense? According to Hoda, not right now. But she’s also wise enough to know that life is fluid. “You never know what’s around the corner,” she admitted. And while that may not be a commitment, it’s not a hard no either.

Meanwhile, what about Kelly Clarkson? While her future as a talk show host has occasionally been called into question, Kelly remains very much at the helm of her eponymous show. She’s navigated the challenges of balancing music, television, and motherhood with remarkable grace. Recent reports about her exploring new musical endeavors and possibly taking breaks from filming were interpreted by some as signs of burnout or disinterest. However, sources close to the production suggest that Kelly is still enthusiastic about the show and continues to be a driving force behind its tone and content.

In truth, the idea of Hoda replacing Kelly may be more reflective of the network’s contingency planning than any actual transition. Television executives often weigh potential replacements long before a change becomes necessary. From a business perspective, it’s wise to have a proven, beloved figure like Hoda Kotb in mind if a spot ever opens up. Her ability to connect with viewers is undeniable, and her experience in live broadcasting makes her a safe and appealing choice.

But what this situation really underscores is the way women like Hoda and Kelly are reshaping the expectations placed on public figures. In previous generations, stepping away from a high-profile job might have been seen as a career-ending move. Today, women are rewriting that narrative — choosing personal fulfillment, family, and wellness over nonstop hustle. Hoda’s story, in particular, is one of intentionality and courage. Rather than cling to a platform out of fear of losing relevance, she’s created something new that’s deeply aligned with her values.

At the same time, Kelly Clarkson has redefined what it means to juggle creative passion with talk show hosting. Her show is heartfelt, humorous, and refreshingly real — much like her music. Whether she chooses to renew her contract or pivot to something else entirely, she’s already proven her versatility as a media figure.

In the end, Hoda Kotb will not be replacing Kelly Clarkson — at least not anytime soon. But the conversation that has arisen from this speculation is valuable in its own right. It reflects how audiences crave authenticity, both in content and in the people delivering it. It also highlights the changing nature of success, especially for women in media.

For now, Hoda is exactly where she wants to be: raising her daughters, building her wellness brand, and staying connected to the public on her own terms. And Kelly? She’s still holding down her talk show chair, bringing joy and music into homes across the country.

One might say both women are thriving — not because they’re fighting for a seat at the table, but because they’ve each created their own. And perhaps, in the unpredictable world of television, that’s the most powerful move of all.