The Kelly Clarkson Show is gearing up to return with a bang for its seventh season, officially set to premiere on Monday, September 29, 2025, on NBC. The Emmy-winning talk show, hosted by the charismatic Kelly Clarkson, promises to kick off with fiery energy, delivering a mix of heartwarming stories, celebrity interviews, and the iconic “Kellyoke” segment that has become a fan favorite. Adding to the excitement, NBC has teased a star-studded guest lineup featuring some of Hollywood’s biggest names, alongside a mysterious “secret surprise” that’s already generating buzz across social media. As Clarkson navigates personal challenges and professional triumphs, Season 7 is poised to solidify her show’s status as a daytime TV powerhouse, blending humor, heart, and unforgettable moments at its new home in 30 Rockefeller Plaza.

The announcement, made on September 3, 2025, via a vibrant trailer shared on NBC’s social media, has fans eagerly counting down the days. The trailer opens with Clarkson belting out a high-energy “Kellyoke” medley on the rooftop of 30 Rock, backed by her band, Y’All, as New York City sparkles below. “We’re back, and we’re bringing the heat!” Clarkson declares, her signature warmth and enthusiasm lighting up the screen. The clip teases appearances from A-listers like Emily Blunt, Dwayne Johnson, Julia Roberts, Scarlett Johansson, Matthew McConaughey, Lionel Richie, and Reese Witherspoon, among others, promising a season packed with blockbuster interviews. But it’s the cryptic hint of a “secret surprise” that has sent fans into a frenzy, with speculation ranging from a special guest to a new show segment. “Kelly’s got something up her sleeve, and I’m already obsessed!” one fan tweeted, while another posted on Instagram, “Whatever this surprise is, I know it’s gonna be epic!”

Season 7 marks a significant moment for Clarkson, 43, who returns to the studio following a deeply personal year. The singer, who won the first season of American Idol in 2002, has been open about the emotional toll of losing her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, who passed away on August 7, 2025, at age 48 after a three-year battle with malignant melanoma. Blackstock, the father of Clarkson’s two children, River Rose, 11, and Remington “Remy” Alexander, 9, was a former talent manager and a significant part of her early career. Clarkson postponed her Las Vegas “Studio Sessions” residency in early August to be with her children during Blackstock’s final days, a decision she shared in a heartfelt Instagram post: “While I normally keep my personal life private, this past year, my children’s father has been ill, and I need to be fully present for them.” Her return to The Kelly Clarkson Show reflects her resilience, with the premiere week dedicated to honoring survivors and rescuers of the July 2025 Texas floods, a cause close to Clarkson’s heart as a Texas native.

The star-studded lineup is a major draw for Season 7, with guests representing a diverse range of Hollywood talent. Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson will discuss their upcoming film The Smashing Machine, while Colin Farrell and Margot Robbie will share insights on A Big Bold Beautiful Journey. Julia Roberts, fresh off filming After the Hunt, and Scarlett Johansson, promoting Eleanor the Great, are set to bring their signature charm to the couch. Other confirmed guests include Marion Cotillard and Reese Witherspoon for The Morning Show, Channing Tatum for Roofman, Matthew McConaughey for The Lost Bus, Sylvester Stallone for Tulsa King, and Shonda Rhimes for The Residence. Lionel Richie, a fellow American Idol judge, will join Clarkson to reminisce about their time on the show and discuss his latest projects. “This lineup is unreal,” a fan posted on X, where #KellyClarksonShow and #Season7 trended after the announcement. “Kelly’s couch is basically the Oscars red carpet!”

The “secret surprise” has sparked rampant speculation among fans and media alike. While NBC has kept details tightly under wraps, clues from the trailer suggest it could involve a new interactive element for the live studio audience at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Some fans on Reddit theorize it might be a revamped “Kellyoke” format, perhaps featuring duets with surprise musical guests, given Clarkson’s history of performing over 800 covers spanning every genre, from Whitney Houston to Billie Eilish. Others speculate it could be a special segment tied to Clarkson’s return to The Voice for its 29th season, dubbed “Battle of the Champion,” where she’ll coach alongside John Legend and Adam Levine. A popular X post joked, “What if the surprise is Kelly singing a duet with Snoop Dogg on The Voice and then bringing it to her show?” The anticipation has fueled engagement, with the trailer amassing over 2 million views across platforms within 24 hours.

The Kelly Clarkson Show has been a daytime juggernaut since its 2019 debut, earning 22 Daytime Emmy Awards, including four for Clarkson’s hosting. Its move to New York City for Season 5, filmed at Studio 6A in 30 Rockefeller Plaza, brought a fresh energy, with the Season 6 premiere featuring a rooftop party that set the tone for vibrant, community-focused episodes. Season 7 will continue this tradition, with the premiere week spotlighting “Good Neighbors” and “Rad Humans” who made a difference during the Texas floods. Clarkson, who was unable to perform at a flood relief benefit concert organized by Miranda Lambert due to Blackstock’s illness, has woven this cause into her show, promising “surprise moments” for the heroes involved. “I want to lift up people who lift others,” Clarkson said in a promotional clip, her voice breaking with emotion. “That’s what this show is about.”

The return of “Kellyoke” remains a cornerstone of the show’s appeal. Clarkson’s genre-spanning covers, backed by My Band Y’All, have racked up millions of views online, with artists like Dolly Parton and Chris Stapleton praising her renditions. Season 6 introduced “Cameo-oke,” where guest artists like Teddy Swims performed the opening cover, and fans are eager to see if Season 7 will expand this feature. “Kellyoke is why I tune in every day,” a fan commented on Instagram. “Her voice is unreal, and I’m dying to know if the surprise has something to do with it!” The season will also feature impromptu duets with Broadway stars and 30 Rock neighbors, reflecting Clarkson’s love for musical theater and her new Manhattan home.

Clarkson’s personal journey adds depth to the season’s narrative. After her 2022 divorce from Blackstock, she relocated from Los Angeles to New York, seeking a fresh start for herself and her children. The move revitalized her show, with Season 6 averaging 2.3 million viewers, a 10% increase from the previous year. Her absence from tapings in August 2025, when Jennifer Hudson stepped in, sparked concern among fans, but sources confirmed to Deadline that production remained on track. Clarkson’s return to The Voice, where she previously coached winners in Seasons 14, 15, 17, and 21, further amplifies her presence this fall, making her a dual force in daytime and primetime TV. “Kelly’s ability to connect with people is unmatched,” said Tracie Wilson, executive vice president of NBCUniversal Syndication Studios. “She’s a national treasure, and Season 7 will showcase that.”

Social media is abuzz with excitement, with #Kellyoke and #KellyClarksonShow trending on X. Fans have shared montages of past “Kellyoke” performances, from her soulful take on Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” to a rocking cover of Green Day’s “Basket Case.” A Reddit thread titled “What’s Kelly’s Secret Surprise?” has thousands of comments, with guesses ranging from a live audience giveaway to a cameo by a music legend. “I bet it’s a new segment where Kelly mentors young singers,” one user wrote, while another speculated, “Maybe she’s launching a charity initiative tied to her kids.” The show’s Instagram account fueled the hype, posting, “Season 7 is bringing the fire, and our surprise will blow your mind!”

The cultural impact of The Kelly Clarkson Show lies in its blend of authenticity and entertainment. Clarkson’s humor, relatability, and vocal prowess have made her a daytime TV staple, with segments like “Good Neighbor” highlighting everyday heroes and “Songs & Stories” featuring intimate chats with artists like Lizzo and Keith Urban. The move to New York has allowed Clarkson to tap into the city’s energy, with past episodes featuring surprise visits from SNL stars and Broadway performers. Season 7’s premiere, taped on September 10, 2025, with guests Pat Benatar, Roy Wood Jr., and Alex Edelman, sets the stage for a season of high-energy moments and heartfelt storytelling.

As Clarkson prepares to take the stage, fans are eager to see how she balances her personal healing with her professional commitments. Her ability to connect with guests and audiences, whether through a tearful interview or a show-stopping “Kellyoke,” remains her superpower. With a star-studded lineup, a tribute to Texas heroes, and a mysterious surprise waiting in the wings, Season 7 of The Kelly Clarkson Show is poised to deliver the fiery energy promised—and then some.