NBC believes that they have already found their next daytime queen to replace Kelly Clarkson and just like her predecessor, she’s a chart-topping powerhouse.

Network bosses are convinced Pink is “the perfect choice” to replace Kelly, 43, on The Kelly Clarkson Show following Kelly’s exit, with insiders claiming the job is effectively hers, if she wants it.

P!NK smiling in a rust-colored suit on the set of The Kelly Clarkson Show.
Pink stuns on the set of The Kelly Clarkson Show after taking over as guest-host for the weekCredit: Getty

Lawrence Zarian and Kelly Clarkson presenting Cospro salt and pepper grinders on "The Kelly Clarkson Show".
Kelly Clarkson, pictured here with Lawrence Zarian, hosts her show before Pink takes overCredit: Getty
According to a source close to production, this week of Pink, 46, taking over the show is being treated as a behind-the-scenes “test run” to ensure the transition would be seamless.

“This week will be a test run for Pink to take over the show. As far as execs are concerned, she’s their girl.

“They’ve done the market research and determined she would be the best choice to take over as host so the job is hers if she wants it.

“Unless something goes horribly wrong this week, which they don’t plan on being the case,” a source told The U.S. Sun.

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The Grammy winner has already been putting in work off-camera, quietly integrating with the existing team.

“She’s been working really hard behind-the-scenes and fits in really well with the crew on the show.

“Everyone seems to like Pink a lot so it would be a seamless transition,” the source continued.

According to the insider, NBC made it a clear point that they do not want to dismantle the machine that made the show a daytime staple.

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Pink suspended above the set of The Kelly Clarkson Show.
Pink flys around on stage as she prepares to take over for Kelly Clarkson as hostCredit: Instagram/kellyclarksonshow
“She would use the same crew and studio than Kelly did. The goal is for the hardworking team that makes Kelly’s show to not be without a job during this process.”

Pretty In Pink

Pink, whose real name is Alecia Beth Moore, was apparently the lead choice for one very specific reason: execs are prioritizing music with the show’s revamp as a crucial factor.

“The reason Pink is more favored than other choices is her vocal abilities.

“After the success of Kellyoke and other musical elements of the show, the network wanted to maintain that with a new host.

“Pink wouldn’t be copying Kelly, but she’d implement a lot of the same musical elements when she takes over,” the source explained.

Kelly’s “Kellyoke” segment became one of the show’s defining features, regularly going viral for stripped-back covers and powerhouse performances.

Insiders say NBC believes keeping that live-music energy is key to retaining loyal viewers of the program.

Not Today

While Pink is now the clear favorite, she wasn’t the only big name floated.

Hoda Kotb and Kelly Clarkson smiling on the set of The Kelly Clarkson Show.
Hoda Kotb joins Kelly Clarkson on set of her talk showCredit: Getty
The insider revealed that Today Show legend Hoda Kotb, 61, was initially the top contender within NBC’s inner circle.

“Before Pink showed interest, Hoda was the top name thrown around. She would be another recognizable name, she’s already loved within the NBC family, and could do this show with her eyes closed.

“She wouldn’t need training so it would be easy for her to take over,” the insider claimed.

Pink’s global fan base, long-standing industry credibility and commanding stage presence make her a natural fit for a music-driven daytime format – without feeling like a carbon copy of Kelly.

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The pop-rocker kicked off her week filling in for Kelly as guest-host on March 2nd.

Kelly will resume hosting duties until the Fall, when the current season, her 7th as host, comes to an end.

P!nk and Kelly Clarkson singing a duet on The Kelly Clarkson Show.
Pink’s musical talent is a big factor into her landing the replacement jobCredit: Getty

Kelly Clarkson singing into a microphone on stage, with a large audience applauding.
Kelly Clarkson’s ‘Kellyoke’ segment has been a massive hit since the show startedCredit: Getty