Drew Barrymore vs. Kelly Clarkson: The Battle for the Daytime Talk Show Crown Heats Up!

Ever since Ellen DeGeneres ended her talk show amid toxic-workplace allegations, the Daytime Queen crown has been up for grabs. Now insiders tell Star that two contenders are ready to duke it out. “Drew Barrymore and Kelly Clarkson are locked in a pretty heated battle,” says a source.

“Even though Kelly has an edge in the ratings, Drew’s still more famous.” And the fact that she’s been famous since she won hearts in 1982’s E.T. means she has a “lifetime of industry contacts” to tap in order goose ratings and create viral moments, adds the insider. “That’s something Kelly has struggled with.”

Where Kelly shines is her appeal to Middle America, explains the source, noting that 49-year-old Drew’s decision to appear on the latest reboot of Hollywood Squares is an attempt to broaden her appeal. While her rivalry with American Idol alum Kelly, 42, is real, don’t expect any behind-the-scenes backstabbing.

“They are both fundamentally nice people,” says the source. “They won’t take cheap shots, but make no mistake: They are both chasing that daytime crown!”