Why Kelly Clarkson takes a ‘safe’ approach to interviews. Her talk show is starting its sixth season

NEW YORK (AP) — Kelly Clarkson says she’s learned a few things about interviews after being in the spotlight as a recording artist since 2002. So she’s created a safe space for guests on season six of her talk show which launches on Monday. Burnt by past media stories, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter says she’s taking a different approach with guests on her daytime show.

Fans of the show – based in New York for the second year – can expect more celebrity interviews, human interest stories and Clarkson’s signature “Kellyoke” musical performances. Clarkson says she likes to make guests feel comfortable, often playing games and infusing humor into her segments.

Clarkson is also an executive producer of the show, which has won 22 Daytime Emmy Awards, including Daytime Host and Talk Show last year. She recently spoke with The Associated Press about how she approaches interviews, covering new artists and staying incognito on the subway. Answers have been edited for clarity and brevity.

AP: What are you most excited about in the new season?

CLARKSON: By season six, people have more confidence in our show. I think a lot of times some actors or artists—especially in the spotlight—get a little nervous going to shows because they’re like, ‘Are they going to try to straighten something out? Or do you get some kind of soundbite or clickbait?” That’s not what I’m talking about. Obviously, that’s happened to me in my career, so I don’t want to do that to anybody. I think people feel safe there and they’re willing to like, you know, play a dumb game that’s just fun, or they’re willing to talk about things that maybe they don’t normally talk about.

AP: What did you learn from the other side of the interviews?

CLARKSON: I know what the receiving end feels like. You just want to promote something you’re proud of and then shade yourself in an interview so someone doesn’t try to make a career out of something they’re trying to get you to say – it’s just disgusting and hurtful. There were certain things like where I help navigate the interview in a way that I feel comfortable with. I never ask someone something I wouldn’t mind answering. I’ve definitely been on the receiving end of that in a positive way and a very negative way. I just want people to feel safe and comfortable because it’s supposed to be a good time, you know?

AP: Who are your dream guests?

CLARKSON: It’s all icing on the cake at this point. I had the most amazing bookings for my show. I stayed with Dolly Parton and Cher and Heart and Alanis Morissette and Babyface and like all these artists that I love musically. And then I got to hang out with Josh Brolin, who was like in The Goonies, and he’s Thanos, and he’s so cool! It’s a lot of fun to meet people that you love in their movies or for their work and then, you know, get a glimpse of who they are as a person. I always say Meryl Streep — she’s one of my favorites in the industry, whether it’s singing, acting, or anything else.

AP: Your “Kellyoke” segment is a fan favorite and you’ve covered many popular songs. What new artists are you listening to right now?

CLARKSON: I’m a big fan of Chappell (Roan.) I’m actually covering it quite a bit this season. I love Fletcher. I’ve always covered this generation, for example Billie (Eilish) or Olivia Rodrigo, there are many. There is a lot of talent – Sabrina Carpenter I’m a big fan of. I’m 42 years old, but I love it. Music is music. That’s the cool thing about it. There isn’t a specific culture, a specific age, anything you have to be – it’s for everyone. I use 180 songs per season, which is awesome. It’s just a lot of work, so to be able to play songs and be as excited as these new up and coming artists. It’s exciting to perform these songs and then challenge you a little bit, but I love that. It’s a great generation of artists right now.

AP: Is it true that you ride the subway in New York? Not recognized?

CLARKSON: Not at all! Girl, I don’t look like that — (motions to make-up face) — that’s not how I woke up! (laughs) I’m usually in a mum bun or a hat and get away with it. Only when I speak — as soon as I open my mouth to speak, people will say “what?”. And then that throws me off. I have a very talented (hair and make-up) team called Harry and Potter – that’s what I call them (laughs) – and I’m very lucky. I realize that. On “The Voice,” as I remember, every time I would go out with Blake (Shelton) anywhere or John (Legend), they look like themselves all the time. I can’t escape this and I can’t go anywhere. I am very blessed. I manage to live a pretty normal life and I don’t think a lot of people in the limelight understand that. But yes, the metro is faster! So we’re on it all the time.