Kelly Clarkson wants her show, songs to 'light up' your day

Grammy and Emmy winner Kelly Clarkson on the Universal Studios lot in Universal City, where “The Kelly Clarkson Show” is filmed. Former “Idol” judge Paula Abdul, who appeared on Clarkson’s show early in its run as part of an “Idol” Season 1 reunion, describes being seated opposite host Clarkson as, “like I was watching a movie on the edge of my seat, knowing from the start something overwhelmingly good is going to happen.” Abdul points to Clarkson’s “Idol” audition, in which she traded places with Randy Jackson — taking a seat behind the judges table while he auditioned for her — as early evidence she was destined for the role. I’m sure she has grown in many ways over this time, but the standout take for me with her is somehow she’s managed to — she would never use the word ‘superstar,’ it would make her cringe from the inside out — but she’s managed to become a superstar in all fields and still remain the 20-year-old Texas girl that we met almost 20 years ago.” Clarkson’s ascension in the daytime talk show space, which many attribute to her likability, comes as peer Ellen DeGeneres and her show have come under fire in recent months over allegations of a toxic work culture, which resulted in the ouster of three producers after an investigation by production company Warner Bros. Claims of workplace misconduct have also hit closer to Clarkson’s orbit: Former NBC Entertainment Chairman Paul Telegdy, who was instrumental in persuading Clarkson to join “The Voice” and had been the one who saw her potential as a talk show host, was recently pushed out after being accused of racism and sexism. At a time when asking anyone how they’re doing can feel like a loaded question, Clarkson says she feels “surprisingly great” — at least that’s the forecast for today. I think everyone wants to feel better right now.” Kelly Clarkson, with Justin Guarini, during 2002’s final “American Idol” episode.