Kelly Clarkson Channels Madonna in Noir-Inspired Halloween Spectacular

On October 31, 2025, Kelly Clarkson is set to deliver a spooky Halloween treat for viewers of her Emmy Award-winning daytime talk show. The episode, designed as a tribute to the iconic murder mystery films of the 1940s, will transport audiences back in time with a noir-inspired aesthetic.

The show begins in black and white, with Clarkson taking center stage in a gorgeous gown to perform a cover of "Sooner or Later," the Oscar-winning jazz ballad sung by Madonna in the 1990 film Dick Tracy. Clarkson's band, My Band Y'all, will join her in formal white dinner jackets, fully embracing the period aesthetic.

As the performance unfolds, Clarkson's seductive delivery and powerful vocals will captivate viewers, showcasing her versatility as an artist. According to the show's musical director Jason Halbert, the song was one of the most complex musical numbers the team has tackled in seven seasons, with Clarkson's control and range shining through.

The noir theme extends beyond the music, as the episode will feature a murder mystery plot woven throughout. Clarkson enlists the help of detective Amber Ruffin to solve the case, with the band, guests Leanne Morgan and Lance Bass, and even the audience getting involved in the investigation.

The set design, led by art directors Jason Kirschner and Kait Taylor, fully immerses viewers in the 1940s aesthetic, with a period-perfect art deco set completely grayscaled. However, the team adds a pop of color when Clarkson steps off the stage, revealing her in a bright red dress that makes the entire scene come alive.

This annual Halloween special is always a challenge for the team at The Kelly Clarkson Show, as they must balance the production with their regular workload. But the end result is a celebration of the show's mission to provide humor, heart, and connection, all while transporting viewers to a different era.