Exclusive | Hoda Kotb on ‘List’ to replace Kelly Clarkson as the host of NBC Day Talk Show: Source

Former “SOT” co-host Hoda Kotb is on the “list” of candidates to replace the host of the day’s conversations at NBC Kelly Clarkon-paving the way for a possible return just months after her surprise appearance, the post has learned.

Kotb, which amazed the fans when she retired in January, is firmly on the network radar as rumors revolve that Clarkson wants to leave her eponyms, according to an NBC insider.

“There is a long list of names and Hoda is part of that list,” the source said. “NBC never wanted Hoda to leave. The question is whether Hoda would like to do it?”

Clarkson’s contract has increased next year. It is not clear when Kotb or another replacement would take over the show if the pop singer decides to leave.

Meanwhile, the original winner of “American Idol” is starting a big year for her music career.

She is released a ninth album in June under her label before launching a new residence in Las Vegas from July 4 to August 16, with extra performances from November 7-15.

“If the album does not do well, she may want to hold her show,” the source said. “But it has a lot of continuation and time may be suitable for the next chapter.”

NBC, Clarkson and Kotb did not return the requests for comment.

The source said NBC chiefs are looking for a well -known host who already has a continuation – and being a diverse candidate would not hurt the chances of Kotb either.

“Hoda scores a lot of boxes. She is an Egyptian, elderly Kelly Clarkson,” the first source said.

In addition to Kotb, a host of personalities who have completed as hosts 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 the former weekend “Today” Maria Shriver could be in the run. Kennedy Sition has been publishing her new book: “I’m Maria.”

But Kotb could be tempted to return to the anchor chair because it would not have to laps for attention with a co-awaiting.

Dear Anchor, who joined NBC in 1998, is well liked by the highest network and has many of the best executions at speed, the first source said.

Kotb left “Today”, which she co-expected with Savannah Guthrie for seven years in order to spend more time with her young daughter and work on her Wellness brand.

The crazy hours required to wait for a morning show were wearing Kotb and her family, the person said, pointing out that she would be at 3am every morning to wait for the show.

Compared to “today”, a show of daily conversations would be a “Cakewalk,” the source added.

“A conversation show is good for a mother,” the source said, explaining that the wiretapping schedule for the show is more condensed. Showing tape two shows a day, one in 11am and one in 3 afternoon. Transmission time varies depending on the market. In New York and Chicago, it airs on 3 afternoon, while in Los Angeles, it is broadcast at 2pm.

However, Clarkson is reported to have been tired of her schedule. Mulled left to spend more time with her children, the post previously announced.

“Kelly’s number 1 priority is her children, and they will always be,” an industry interior said at the time. “The show is exhausting. It is a whole job and I hear that Kelly would like to spend more time in the south.”

Estimates for “Kelly Clarkson Show” have fallen continuously since its inception in 2019. The show attracted an average of 1.2 million viewers this season, compared to 1.9 million when debuting.

The program has won 22 Emmy during the day and still holds its own against other performances of the day’s conversations, including “The View”, “Today with Jenna and Friends” and “NBC News Daily”.

Since Kotb left “today” and was replaced by Craig Melvin, the show has fallen into ratings. Prior to its exit, the show had on average just less than 2.8 million general viewers. In the months when she left, estimates on average about 2.7 million total viewers, with viewing in March and April immersing 2.5 million in 2.6 million gamps.

Meanwhile, the other show of Kotb’s NBC, “Today with Hoda & Jenna”, which aired at 10am, had an average of about 1.3 million general viewers. Renamed “Jenna & Friends”, the program – which was received by Jenna Bush Hager along with a rotation of the guest armies – is bringing between 1.1 and 1.2 million viewers.