Kelly Clarkson on Emotional 'American Idol' Anniversary, Welcoming Jennifer Hudson to Daytime TV (Exclusive)

Daniel D'Addario Chief TV Critic On the first episode of Jennifer Hudson’s new talk show, guest Simon Cowell was very gently criticizing the series “American Idol,” on which he had been a judge and Hudson had been a contestant. Remarking how he found the producers’ assignment for her to sing a Barry Manilow song (which she did the week she was sent home) to be unfair to her and outdated, Cowell generated the first semblance of real heat on the episode. Here was something, perhaps, with the frisson and excitement of real conversation. Hudson let it sit there, allowing a couple moments of silence before remarking “Simon being Simon,” then trailing off. This first episode began with a run-through of Hudson’s career achievements: From the sorrow of her “Idol” elimination during Barry Manilow Week to her casting in “Dreamgirls,” for which she would win an acting Oscar, to her successful recording career. Hudson has won all four major entertainment awards — an EGOT, which speaks to the somewhat mythic place she occupies in the celebrity landscape: The recipient of a second chance whose unabashedly showy voice couldn’t be constrained by a reality-show loss.

Kelly Clarkson is back with a bang as the fourth season of her talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, premiered on Monday with a slew of amazing guests and powerful subjects.MORE: Kelly Clarkson visits Uvalde in tear-jerking show segmentIn lieu of the premiere, the singer sat down with Variety for a wide-ranging interview concerning taking over Ellen DeGeneres' iconic time slot and bringing new music into the world.VIDEO: Kelly Clarkson reveals she's 'broken' as she quarantines with her two children inside her family homeThe second bit particularly hit home for her, though, as she spoke about returning to recording and creating original music after her divorce from now ex-husband Brandon Blackstock."When my ex and I first separated, there were many emotions. It was hard," Kelly said of the time it took her to make the record. MORE: Kelly Clarkson shares how she changed her show to spend more time with her children"My producer and I were laughing yesterday because I was like, 'Remember that time we wrote, like, 25 songs in a week?' A lot of those are the ones that are on the album."I literally wrote most of these almost two years ago.

Hannah Waddingham is bringing the laughs to “The Jennifer Hudson Show”.

Kelly Clarkson didn't express her full opinion on the tragic school shooting in Uvalde, a town in her native Texas, when it happened, although it's safe to say she was heartbroken.MORE: Kelly Clarkson shares how she changed her show to spend more time with her childrenHowever, the singer is now dedicating herself to empowering the people of the community and sharing their story through the latest installment of The Kelly Clarkson Show.VIDEO: Kelly Clarkson reveals she's 'broken' as she quarantines with her two children inside her family homeAfter a fun-filled first half an hour featuring journalist Lester Holt and actress D'Arcy Carden, she kicked off a segment dedicated to the small town and the tragedy that struck on 24 May.Kelly herself visited the town and spoke with the people who had organized a mural project that immortalized the faces of lives of those that lost their lives in the shooting.MORE: Kelly Clarkson will release a new album after five-year breakThe show even donated $10,000 to the initiative, and in the drive back, she spoke of the beauty of the project while saying: "It's also how I would like…my child…," before getting choked up.Back in the studio, after speaking with her guests and another artist involved in the project, she also shined a spotlight on organizations that had pledged to support the people of the town.A post shared by The Kelly Clarkson Show (@kellyclarksonshow)Kelly visited Uvalde for a segment on her show"It's amazing to see how the communities are stepping up, they're lending a hand, they're building a school, doing so many things for these kids" she said. It was at this point that Kelly couldn't control her tears and let them flow as she spoke, adding: "The real honor is not having

Shania Twain is opening up about her deep connection with Wynonna Judd. Speaking with ET backstage at the ACM Honors taping in Nashville, Tennessee, Twain reveals that the pair only became close in recent years — despite rising to fame together in the '80s and '90s. «Wynonna and I have become friends over time and not over music,» Twain tells ET's Cassie DiLaura.

Kelly Clarkson is at the 2022 Emmy Awards!

Jennifer Hudson has officially made her daytime talk show debut! The EGOT winner kicked off the premiere season of on Monday, beginning the episode with a reflection on her long-time dream of hosting her own show.«Thank y'all for being here. I'm not gonna cry on y'all,» Hudson told her audience.

Darius Campbell Danesh died from "inhalation of chloroethane", the Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed.The singer and actor was found dead in his US apartment, in Rochester, Minnesota, last month at the age of 41.Autopsy documents obtained by the PA news agency listed “toxic effects of chloroethane” as well as "suffocation" as having contributed to his death.READ MORE: Darius Campbell Danesh 'weeks away from Pop Idol comeback' before tragic death aged 41The death was ruled an accident by the medical examiner.A statement released by Darius' family previously said local police had found "no signs of intent or suspicious circumstances".The Scottish singer-songwriter appeared on the first Pop Idol, which was won by Will Young, as well as Popstars.After Pop Idol, Darius turned down Simon Cowell’s offer of a record deal and signed with producer Steve Lillywhite, whose credits include U2 and the Rolling Stones.Fellow Pop Idol contestants Will and Gareth Gates paid tribute to the singer after his death was announced, describing him as "driven, courageous and gentle".In a heartfelt tribute, Leave Right Now singer Will wrote: "For the past few days my thoughts have been with Darius’s family and will continue to be so."I found this picture a while ago taken during Pop Idol. If there was ever an example of not giving up on your dreams then Darius is top of the pile."Driven, courageous and gentle.

Jennifer Hudson makes her talk show host debut where it all began by reuniting with former American Idol judge Simon Cowell on her premiere episode of The Jennifer Hudson Show.

Former Pop Idol star Darius Campbell Danesh died from “inhalation of chloroethane”, a US medical examiner's office has confirmed.

Fans of Jennifer Hudson will be experiencing a whole new side of the EGOT winner come Monday when she makes her debut as host of “The Jennifer Hudson Show”.

Jennifer Hudson is "still processing" her newfound EGOT status. The Dreamgirls star has won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award - earning her the coveted "EGOT" status. First winning an Oscar for her role in Dreamgirls, then two Grammys - one for her self-titled album - and an Emmy for Baba Yaga, Jennifer won her first Tony Award for A Strange Loop in June.

Kelly Clarkson and Dolly Parton are teaming up!

Jem Aswad Senior Music Editor Dolly Parton and this week’s Variety cover star Kelly Clarkson have collaborated on a new version of Dolly’s hit “9 to 5,” ahead of the “Still Working 9 to 5” documentary that premieres on Sept. 16. The pair teamed up with the film’s executive producer Shane McAnally, Sasha Sloan & King Henry to, as the announcement states, “reimagine the classic song into a melancholic yet inspirational anthem over 40 years after the original’s release as the fight for workplace equality persists.” Written and recorded by Dolly Parton and produced by Gregg Berry, the original “9 to 5” debuted in 1980 in tandem with the film of the same name starring Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. The song went on to receive an Academy Award nomination for Original Song and four Grammy nominations – winning two of the latter for Best Country Song and Best Female Country Vocal Performance.

Elizabeth Wagmeister Senior Correspondent Jennifer Hudson didn’t win “American Idol” 18 years ago — she came in seventh place. But it didn’t matter: She was soon destined for a tremendous, award-winning career. The superstar became the first and only “Idol” alum to win an acting Oscar, nabbing the best supporting actress trophy in 2007 for her stellar turn in “Dreamgirls.” Fast-forward to 2022 and Hudson is now an EGOT, having also won a Tony Award, Grammy and Daytime Emmy along the way. Now, she’s adding another credit to her lengthy resume: talk show host. Hudson will debut “The Jennifer Hudson Show” on Sept. 12, which also happens to be the star’s birthday. But why a talk show?

Blake Shelton is trying on for size. The country star and noted flannel enthusiast is lending his name to a new fall and holiday collection of apparel for men, women, children and even pets, with designs and colors inspired by a six-string guitar, blue skies and amber brews. «For me, it's always simple stuff,» Shelton tells ET's Cassie DiLaura. «That's what I have on now, and I'm comfortable in it and I love it.» The Lands' End x Blake Shelton collection is available now with a portion of sales being donated to Habitat for Humanity. «They know that what they do is fashion and they know that's the last thing I do,» Shelton tells ET of the partnership.

New Music Friday! It's every audiophile's favorite day of the week, and some of our favorite artists from all different genres have blessed us with new tunes.Lewis Capaldi released his latest heartfelt single, «Forget Me,» Kelly Clarkson joined Dolly Parton on a new rendition of «9 to 5» and Ari Lennox dropped her sophomore studio album, Dr.

Kelly Clarkson has joined forces with Dolly Parton to put a unique spin on the classic track “9 to 5″.

Kelly Clarkson thinks Dolly Parton is "an inspiration to all women". The 40-year-old singer has joined forces with Dolly, 76, to record a brand-new duet version of '9 to 5' - which Dolly first released as a single in 1980 - and Kelly has heaped praise on the music icon. She shared: "I am so honoured that Dolly asked me to re-imagine this iconic song, '9 to 5', with her! She is so talented, an inspiration to all women, and one of the sweetest people you will ever meet!" Kelly relished the experience of working with the award-winning country singer.