Hoda Kotb may be inching back toward daytime television. Months after stepping away from NBC's TODAY, the veteran broadcaster is now signaling openness to a return, possibly in place of Kelly Clarkson, whose show faces an uncertain future.
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While appearing on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Kotb, 60, softened her previous denial about taking over The Kelly Clarkson Show. "I'm a never say never person," she told Cohen. "You don't know what life is gonna bring you."
Kotb added that she's enjoying this phase of her life but admitted, "TV is my first love." Her comments come after months of speculation surrounding Clarkson's long-term plans at NBC.
Clarkson Reportedly Eyeing Exit
Clarkson's contract is set to expire in 2026. Multiple reports suggest the American Idol winner may not renew, instead shifting her focus back to music and family life.
"Kelly would like to spend more time down South," a source told Page Six, citing her children as her "number one priority." Clarkson has spoken candidly about the toll of the show's demanding schedule, which leaves little time for anything else.
Behind the scenes, the mood appears tense. A Daily Mail report quoted an anonymous producer who said staff feel "not too stable" and described the set atmosphere as "stressed, to say the least."
"[Clarkson] could bolt at any time," the producer said. "Where does that leave me? This feels like it could collapse any minute."
A Familiar, Calming Presence
Kotb, who co-hosted TODAY for 17 years, stepped away from her role in January. In an interview with PEOPLE, she revealed that her decision was rooted in wanting to care for her daughter, Hope.
"I needed to be here to watch over her," Kotb said. "But I would never, ever want Hope to think I left my job because of her. It wasn't that alone, but it was a part of the decision."
Still, with Clarkson's future in limbo, Kotb is emerging as a name trusted by both viewers and insiders. "Everyone loves Kelly. She's a wonderful person," one producer reportedly told Daily Mail. "But maybe Hoda would be a better boss. She's universally beloved and respected by her former coworkers."
As NBC weighs its options, Kotb's return to daytime television is no longer out of the question -- and, if current tensions persist, it may even become necessary.
