Kelly Clarkson has been hit by "ups and downs" over the last six years

She told fans: "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."

After her studio audience hesitated to respond to the comment, Kelly paused and reassured them: "It's OK!"

She went on to acknowledge the sense of community she felt had been built up through the show, adding: "We created a community and supported each other through a lot of ups and downs - a lot of ups and downs personally as well."

Kelly's talk show debuted in September 2019 and has since become a staple of daytime television.

The Grammy-winning singer and 'American Idol' winner did not specify what she had "lost" or the nature of the "ups and downs" she referenced in her speech on air.

But her time on the show has coincided with a tumultuous period in her personal life, including a high-profile divorce from her ex-husband and former manager, Brandon Blackstock, 47.

Kelly filed for divorce from him in June 2020 after nearly seven years of marriage.

The former couple, who have daughter River Rose, 10, and son Remington 'Remy' Alexander, 8, were locked in a protracted legal battle before finalising their divorce settlement in March 2022.

Kelly's speech also came as she returned to hosting duties after an absence that began on 28 February. During her hiatus, various celebrity guests stepped in to present the show in her place.

The singer has not publicly addressed the reason for her absence.

But a source told TMZ she had taken time away to deal with a "personal matter" that did "not directly involve her".

The insider added the situation was "not a cause for alarm" and said Kelly was "completely fine".