Former “Today” co-host Hoda Kotb is on the “list” of candidates to replace NBC daytime talk show host Kelly Clarkson – paving the way for a possible comeback just months after her surprise exit, The Post has learned.
Kotb, who stunned fans when she stepped down in January, is firmly on the network’s radar as rumors swirl that Clarkson wants to leave her eponymous show, according to an NBC insider.
“There’s a long list of names and Hoda is part of that list,” said the source. “NBC never wanted Hoda to leave. The question is would Hoda want to do it?”
Clarkson’s contract is up next year. It is not clear when Kotb or another replacement would take over the show should the pop singer decide to walk away.
Meanwhile, the original “American Idol” winner is embarking on a big year for her music career.
She is releasing a ninth album in June under her own label before launching a new Las Vegas residency from July 4 to Aug. 16, with additional shows from Nov. 7-15.
“If the album doesn’t do well, she might want to keep her talk show,” the source said. “But she has a lot going on and the timing may be right for the next chapter.”
NBC, Clarkson and Kotb did not return requests for comment.
The source said NBC bosses are looking for a recognizable host who already has a following — and being a diverse candidate wouldn’t hurt Kotb’s chances, either.
“Hoda ticks a lot of boxes. She’s an Egyptian, older Kelly Clarkson,” the first source said.
Aside from Kotb, a slew of personalities who filled in as host over the years — like Wanda Sykes, Willie Geist, Molly Sims, Roy Wood Jr. and Josh Groban — are also on the list, the insider added.
Another source suggested that former “Today” weekend anchor Maria Shriver could be in the running. The Kennedy scion has been publicizing her new book: “I am Maria.”
But Kotb could be tempted to return to the anchor chair because she would not have to jockey for the limelight with a co-host.
The affable anchor, who joined NBC in 1998, is well-liked by higher-ups at the network and has many of the top execs on speed dial, the first source said.
Kotb left “Today,” which she co-hosted with Savannah Guthrie for seven years, in order to spend more time with her ailing young daughter and to work on her own wellness brand.
The crazy hours required to host a morning show had worn on Kotb and her family, the person said, noting that she would be up at 3 a.m. every morning to host the show.
Compared to “Today,” a daytime talk show would be a “cakewalk,” the source added.
“A talk show is good for a mom,” the source said, explaining that the taping schedule for the show is more condensed. The show tapes two shows a day, one at 11 am and one at 3 pm. It’s airtime differs depending on the market. In New York and Chicago, it airs at 3 pm, while in Los Angeles, it airs at 2 pm.
Still, Clarkson has reportedly tired of her schedule. mulled stepping away to spend more time with her children, The Post previously reported.
“Kelly’s No. 1 priority is her children, and they always will be,” one industry insider said at the time. “The show is grueling. It’s a whole lot of work and I hear that Kelly would like to spend more time down South.”
Ratings for the “Kelly Clarkson Show” have steadily declined since its launch in 2019. The show drew an average of 1.2 million viewers this season, compared to 1.9 million when it debuted.
The program has won 22 Daytime Emmys and still holds its own against other top daytime talk shows, including “The View,” “Today with Jenna and Friends” and “NBC News Daily.”
show should she leave, sources said. Bumble Dee – stock.adobe.com
Since Kotb left “Today” and was replaced by Craig Melvin, the show has slipped in the ratings. Before her exit, the show had an average of just under 2.8 million total viewers. In the months since she left, ratings averaged around 2.7 million total viewers, with viewership in March and April dipping to the 2.5 million to 2.6 million-range.
Meanwhile, Kotb’s other NBC show, “Today with Hoda & Jenna,” which aired at 10 a.m., had averaged around 1.3 million total viewers. Renamed “Jenna & Friends,” the program — which is hosted by Jenna Bush Hager along with a rotation of guest hosts — is bringing in between 1.1 and 1.2 million viewers.
