Kelly Clarkson proved she has not lost her signature sense of humor while launching her new Las Vegas residency, joking that leaving NBC has given her a little more freedom to speak her mind.

During her Friday night concert at Caesars Palace, the Grammy winner playfully interacted with fans and laughed that she might have gotten herself into trouble if she were still working for the network.

“I would get fired by NBC, but I don’t work there anymore,” Clarkson joked while admiring a fan’s sparkling sequin jacket, according to Us Weekly.

Despite the lighthearted comment, Clarkson admitted she still misses hosting The Kelly Clarkson Show, which came to an end earlier this year after seven successful seasons.

“I’m sad,” she told the audience. “It was a fun show.”

Clarkson announced in February that she had decided to step away from the Emmy winning daytime series, describing the choice as difficult but necessary. She explained that she wanted to devote more time to her children following the death of their father, Brandon Blackstock.

Blackstock died from cancer in August 2025 at the age of 48. The former couple, who finalized their divorce in 2022 after a lengthy legal battle, share two children together.

At the time of her announcement, Clarkson said focusing on her family felt “necessary and right for this next chapter” of their lives.

Now, the singer is embracing a new phase of her career that puts music back in the spotlight.

Earlier this month, Clarkson revealed that her brand new single, I’d Be Lyin, would be released on July 17, marking her first new music since Where Have You Been, which debuted in May 2025.

She teased the release on Instagram by writing, “New Single? 👀 #IdBeLyin.”

The song arrived on the same day she opened her Las Vegas residency, which runs through the middle of August.

Clarkson is also preparing for another major television return this fall. She will rejoin The Voice as a coach for the show’s milestone 30th season after previously serving on the competition from Seasons 14 through 21.

According to an earlier Page Six report, Clarkson is enjoying the slower pace that comes with leaving her daily talk show. A source said the singer is eager to focus on music and other creative opportunities without committing to another demanding everyday schedule.

The insider added that Clarkson still loves performing and recording music and remains open to special projects, but prefers work that allows her more flexibility with her family and personal life.