Pink has been filling in for Kelly Clarkson this week as the guest host of The Kelly Clarkson Show, and if she had it her way, she’d stick around on daytime television.
With Clarkson, 43, on her way out after announcing she is stepping away after this season, her timeslot will be open for a new host to swoop in. According to Rob Shuter’s Naughty But Nice Substack, the “So What” artist is requesting a hefty pay day to take over for NBC.
“Pink absolutely wants the job,” a source told Shuter on Wednesday, March 4. “But she’s asking for significantly more than Kelly was making. She knows her worth — and she’s not discounting it.”
However, another insider claimed that NBC pulled the plug on The Kelly Clarkson Show due to the budget.
“It came down to dollars,” the source said. “The show was expensive, and daytime margins are thinner than ever.”
Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal
Pink recently shut down rumors that she’s replacing Clarkson, claiming she’s simply “doing a fun thing for my buddy Kelly.”
“If I wanted a talk show, I would not have to audition. I would just have one. And it would be amazing,” the mom of two — who shares Willow, 14, and Jameson, 9, with husband Carey Hart — said in a video shared via Instagram over the weekend, according to Country Rebel. “Not something I’m currently researching or looking for in my busy, busy, busy world.”
However, according to Shuter’s sources, “If [NBC meets] her number, it’s a major investment. If they don’t, she walks. It’s that simple.”
The “Behind These Hazel Eyes” artist announced via Instagram on February 2 that she would be stepping away to focus on her family.
“This was not an easy decision — but this season will be my last hosting TKCS,” Clarkson — who shared River, 11, and Remington, 9, with late ex-husband Brandon Blackstock — wrote at the time. “Stepping away from the daily schedule will allow me to prioritize my kids, which feels necessary and right for this next chapter of our lives. This isn’t goodbye.”