KELLY Clarkson admitted she’s ‘lost and alone a lot’ after returning to her talk show following a mystery absence.

Singer Kelly, 42, left fans concerned after quietly taking more than a week off from her namesake programme to cope with a “family issue”.

Upon her comeback for its 1,000th episode on Thursday, the American Idol winner opened up about the challenges she has faced over the past six years.

She told viewers: “We have laughed together, we have cried together with beautiful stories, sang together with some people, danced together, celebrated and competed together. I’ve lost, alone, a lot.

“We created a community and supported each other through a lot of ups and downs – a lot of ups and downs personally as well.”

When she didn’t elaborate on her personal struggles, the studio audience hesitated to react to her comment.

However, she soon reassured them, saying, “It’s OK!”

Looking back at her show’s journey, she reflected: “We started with the intention of making connections and bringing people together, and it feels like we’ve been doing just that.”

While she didn’t go into detail about the personal challenges she has faced, Kelly’s time hosting the show has coincided with her highly publicized divorce from Brandon Blackstock.

The Stronger songstress had been married for nearly seven years before filing for divorce in June 2020.

The split led to a prolonged legal battle before they reached a settlement in March 2022.

The former couple share 10-year-old daughter River Rose and 8-year-old son Remington ‘Remy’ Alexander.

Beginning Feb. 28, guest hosts filled in for her, leading to speculation about her whereabouts.

Although Kelly did not address the reason for her hiatus, a source previously told The U.S. Sun that she had “needed to be present” at home for a family matter.

They said: “She has been dealing with a family matter and has needed to be present for it,” the insider said, assuring that it’s “nothing very serious.”

KELLY’S FILL-INS

Several celebrity guests took over hosting The Kelly Clarkson Show during her time away.

Her unexpected absence was first noticed during a taping on March 3.

Actor Simu Liu filled in at the last moment for the taping, stating, “Kelly isn’t able to make it today. We’re sending her our very best.”

“I did not know that I was doing this until about five minutes ago when I arrived to promote my new movie Last Breath,” he said.

Brooke Shields later stepped in to host the show, along with several other well-known personalities stepping up to take her place while Kelly remained away.

Willie Geist served as the guest host too.

CONCERN FOR KELLY

Fans shared their worries about Kelly’s well-being during the absence.

“I just want to know if Kelly is okay because it’s now been kind of a long time,” said one.

“Is Kelly okay?” asked another fan on social media.

A third said: “I respect Kelly Clarkson’s privacy, but I am very concerned about her.”

“Sad her followers aren’t being told why she missing,” commented a fourth.

Kelly has not publicly addressed her absence, and NBC has not responded to requests for comment.

While her absence has left viewers concerned, this isn’t the first time Kelly took a step back from work.

In 2022, she took the summer off to spend time on vacation with her children.