Kelly Clarkson’s Talk Show Team Reportedly Divided Over Star Complimenting Guests’ Appearances

Kelly Clarkson raised eyebrows when she exposed her rift with her talk show’s human resources department at a recent concert.

“They say you’re not allowed to say someone looks attractive, and I say f**k that,” Kelly, 43, said about being banned from commenting on her guests’ weight loss so they don’t “feel bad that they looked bad before.” Noting her own 60-lb. slimdown, the mom of two said, “I was fat before, so I’m saying, I want you to say, ‘Damn… Well done!’”

Colleagues at The Kelly Clarkson Show weren’t pleased, an insider tells Star. “It has angered people, who think she’s being ungrateful,” adds the insider. Some are worried that the Grammy winner is eyeing an exit from the show when her contract is up. “She wants to take a step back and spend more time with family.”

That could be so, but a second source tells Star the “Stronger” singer, who’s hosted the talk show since 2019, could be making a fuss as a means to getting a larger paycheck. “One theory doing the rounds is that she may be doing this as a negotiating tactic in return for a bigger contract,” explains the source. “The bosses are desperate to keep her around.”