Hoda Kotb could be coming out of retirement sooner than we think.
According to a report from the New York Post, Kotb is reportedly being considered to take over Kelly Clarkson‘s daytime show when the singer’s contract is up in 2026. Kotb is reportedly one of several celebrities in the running, but sources say she is well-liked by the execs at NBC.
“There’s a long list of names and Hoda is part of that list,” a NBC insider told the outlet. “NBC never wanted Hoda to leave. The question is would Hoda want to do it?”
Clarkson has been hosting her eponymous talk show since 2019. But the singer is rumored to be considering leaving the network for good, or possibly joining Kotb’s former co-host Jenna Bush Hager on the fourth hour of Today. Clarkson recently missed several episodes of the show for unknown reasons, though inside sources have claimed it was because she finds the “work-life balance difficult.” The Grammy-winning singer is also releasing a new album this year and doing a Las Vegas residency, which could impact her NBC show.
“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.”
The inside source said Clarkson’s show would be a “cakewalk” for Kotb compared to the demanding schedule she had as an anchor on Today.
“A talk show is good for a mom,” the source said, explaining that the show tapes two episodes a day at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., allowing her more time to be with her family.
The source named several celebs who could also be in the running, including Today‘s Willie Geist, Wanda Sykes, Roy Wood Jr. and Josh Groban.
But Kotb notably checks several boxes for the network. She was a beloved figure in daytime television with over 20 years under her belt when she made the shocking decision to retire in 2024 to be with her family and work in the wellness space.
And NBC was reportedly eager to keep her on in some capacity. Kotb is confirmed to stay on as a correspondent for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
But it remains unclear if Kotb would be interested in returning to do a talk show. Since retiring, she has said she feels like she made the “right decision” by leaving.
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