## Kelly Clarkson Declines ‘American Idol’ Return Due to Family Priorities
Kelly Clarkson, the inaugural winner of “American Idol,” has expressed her love for the show, but has explained why she cannot take Katy Perry’s place as a judge.
### Time Constraints and Family Obligations
Clarkson stated that her decision not to return to “American Idol” stems from her commitment to her children and maintaining a presence in New York City.
“I love ‘American Idol,’ but I can’t do it because I promised my kids [that I would be there for them],” Clarkson said in an interview with Entertainment Tonight. “I want to be there for them as much as I possibly can.”
### Prior Departure from ‘The Voice’
Clarkson’s decision to prioritize her family over “American Idol” echoes her previous departure from “The Voice.” In 2023, Clarkson stated that the challenges of balancing her marriage struggles and coaching on “The Voice” had become overwhelming.
“I had to quit ‘The Voice’ because I was struggling a lot in my personal life,” Clarkson admitted. “I was like, ‘I’m struggling, I can’t smile anymore.'”
### The Significance of Family
Clarkson emphasized that her decision to prioritize her family is non-negotiable for her.
“I love that [show] family, but I was like, ‘I’m struggling, I can’t smile anymore. I don’t feel like smiling,'” Clarkson said. “So, I had to say ‘bye’ to ‘The Voice’ and make this big move.”
#### Conclusion
While Kelly Clarkson remains passionate about “American Idol,” her unwavering commitment to her children and maintaining a strong presence in New York City outweighs any desire to return to the show as a judge. For Clarkson, the well-being of her family remains her top priority.