Kelly Clarkson insists she could never take over from Ellen DeGeneres: ‘No one can’

Kelly Clarkson isn’t trying to replace Ellen DeGeneres (Picture: Crash/imageSpace/Rex)

Kelly Clarkson has insisted she could never ‘take over’ from Ellen DeGeneres.

The Breakaway hitmaker’s eponymous talk show will move into the slot vacated by the Finding Dory star’s program when she steps down after 19 years next spring but Kelly doesn’t feel worthy of being compared to the broadcast legend.

The former American Idol winner insisted: ‘No one can take over for Ellen. It’s an iconic show.’

Kelly argued her presenting efforts shouldn’t be compared to those who came before her, much like her singing abilities shouldn’t be contrasted against those of her idols.

She told the New York Times newspaper: ‘I’m never going to be Whitney Houston — I’m never going to be Cyndi Lauper, Reba or Trisha or Mariah.

‘I’m going to be me. I think that’s fine. There’s room for everyone at the table.’

The Kelly Clarkson Show has been an instant hit for three seasons (Picture: The Kelly Clarkson Show)

The 39-year-old star was convinced ‘no one’ would want to watch her show, even thought ‘everybody’ was telling her how great a presenter she’d make before she signed on for her programme.

She explained: ‘Everybody was like, Oh man, you would be great at doing a talk show — except for me, I wasn’t one of those everybodies. I’m just like, Where do I fit in there? Why would I? No one will watch that. I’m very honest with myself.’

Kelly admitted her stint on American Idol – which she won in 2002 – had helped prepare her for the daytime show because she’s always comfortable on camera.

Ellen is saying goodbye after 19 seasons (Picture: The Ellen DeGeneres Show)

She continued: ‘We were on TV all the time. Doing random things — being interviewed, interviewing other people, doing skits. I don’t really feel pressure from [the camera]. That can be scary for other people sometimes, like, Oh God, what’s she going to say?’

The Behind These Hazel Eyes singer – who has children River, seven, and Remington, five, with estranged husband Brandon Blackstock – continues to enjoy success with her show which has been renewed through to 2023.

More: US TV news

Ellen announced she was calling time on the Ellen DeGeneres Show after years on our screens, following rumours of ‘appalling ratings’, amid claims of a ‘toxic’ atmosphere behind the scenes.

Season 19 of The Ellen DeGeneres Show begins Monday, September 13 in the US.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : The Ellen Degeneres Show: Which stars are appearing on the final season?

MORE : Kelly Clarkson ‘ready to start dating again’ after divorce from ex Brandon Blackstock is finalized