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Amid speculation Kelly Clarkson intended on departing her talk show, Hoda Kotb emerged as a rumored contender to replace the American Idol alum.
But now Hoda has set the record straight on the speculation.
During an appearance on the Today show, Hoda confirmed she will not be taking over The Kelly Clarkson Show.
Hoda, 60, who departed the Today show after nearly two decades in January, returned to the talk show on Wednesday where she was asked about the rumors by her former colleagues Craig Melvin and Savannah Guthrie.
But Hoda pledged her allegiance to the Today show, insisting it is the only show she would appear on if she ever returned to TV.
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Hoda Kotb confirmed she will not be taking over The Kelly Clarkson Show
‘Do you think if I ever came back to TV – do you know where the only place I would ever come back to is? Right here. This is the spot!’ she said.
‘So rumors are done?’ Craig asked.
‘Delete, delete,’ Hoda said. ‘Not true.’
‘I thought you were because I know you were playing your guitar and singing a lot lately and I thought that maybe you felt like, “I’m ready for some Hoda-oke!”‘ Savannah said, referencing Clarkson’s talk show game Kellyoke.
While Hoda isn’t taking over the show, she will be appearing as a guest next week.
‘I am going to be on Kelly’s show next week though. Just for fun,’ Hoda clarified.
The confirmation comes amid speculation Kelly is considering quitting her talk show – and that Hoda is on a list of those eyed to replace her.
‘There’s a long list of names, and Hoda is part of that list,’ an insider told Page Six back in May.
‘Hoda ticks a lot of boxes. She’s an Egyptian, older Kelly Clarkson,’ the insider added.
The star set the record straight on Wednesday’s episode of Today
She returned to the morning show after her departure earlier this year
Koda has been keeping busy since departing the Today show earlier this year, and is now launching the wellness company Joy 101.
The long-time anchor, who first joined Dateline NBC in 1998 before ultimately landing her role as co-anchor, announced her planned departure in September 2024 before officially exiting in January.
Hoda, who was part of NBC News for 26 years, was immediately moved to tears as she announced her exit last year, explaining to her fellow co-hosts turning 60 had been a ‘monumental moment’ that made her decide it was time to ‘try something new’.
The TV icon also wrote a letter explaining her ‘painful’ decision to her colleagues, explaining further that marking her 60th birthday sparked a seismic ‘shift’ in her life.
‘As I write this, my heart is all over the map,’ Hoda said. ‘I know I’m making the right decision, but it’s a painful one. And you all are the reason why. They say two things can be right at the same time, and I’m feeling that so deeply right now. I love you and it’s time for me to leave the show.
The confirmation comes amid speculation Kelly is considering quitting her talk show – and that Hoda is on a list of those eyed to replace her
Clarkson pictured on her eponymous talk show
Koda has been keeping busy since departing the Today show earlier this year, and is now launching the wellness company Joy 101
‘My time at NBC has been the longest professional love affair of my life. But only because you’ve been beside me on this twenty-six-year adventure. Looking back, the math is nuts. 26 years at NBC News – Ten years at Dateline, seven on the seven o’clock hour, sixteen on the ten o’clock hour.’
She continued: ‘I’m picturing your faces and your families and all the ways you’ve lifted me up and inspired me. That’s my heart singing. So many of my professional relationships have become some of my most cherished friendships.’
She went on to pay a heart breaking tribute to her ‘ride-or-die’ Jenna Bush Hager and claimed she will ‘desperately’ miss everyone she has worked with on the popular morning show.
‘Savannah: my rock,’ she continued. ‘Jenna: my ride-or-die. Al: my longest friend at 30 Rock. Craig, Carson, Sheinelle and Dylan: my family. Libby, Mazz and Talia: my fearless leaders. I will miss each and every one of you at TODAY desperately.’
