Kelly Clarkson recalls being ‘terrified’ to make ‘Rookie’ cameo

Kelly Clarkson would like to personally apologize to the cast of The Rookie for her cameo appearance on the show. 

During a recent fan Q&A segment, the daytime talk show host was asked which television series she’d like to star in next after she successfully manifested a walk-on role on the police procedural back in 2023. However, Clarkson revealed that the actual experience of being on the set of your favorite television show with its cast and crew was way scarier than she initially expected.

“Oh my God, I was terrified. I have to apologize to that cast and crew. I was terrified,” Clarkson confessed. “The Rookie, they invited me, and here’s the thing — I’m a huge, like, I’ve been a fan of Nathan Fillion since Castle. I already get nervous on sets, but then he made me more nervous than I have ever been on a set… I was an idiot on that set.” 

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In general, the “Stronger” singer admitted that she doesn’t really have an interest in starring on shows outside of hosting The Kelly Clarkson Show. “Maybe Only Murders in the Building because I love Only Murders,” she said, before quickly clarifying, “But no, I’ve seen the level in which that show [operates] — I am not a walk-on, so I actually take that back.” 

She added, “That’s never been my goal to be like, ‘Oh, I want to do all these things.’ I’m just a big fan.” 

As part of Clarkson’s 2022 birthday celebrations on her talk show, she was surprised by the cast of The Rookie and offered a walk-on role during their fifth season. “Oh my God, are you serious?” She asked. “I’m a horrible actor. Can I just walk by?” 

She later made an appearance in the episode “Death Notice,” which saw her play a version of herself attempting to take an elevator to visit someone in the hospital. However, each time the door went to close, another member of The Rookie cast would prevent it from shutting and scoot into the slowly-filling space, causing her to shuffle her balloons and vase full of flowers.

Clarkson revealed in a 2023 behind-the-scenes clip on her talk show that she was “about to vomit” while filming the sequence.

“It was so nice and it was really easy and fun and I love this group even more now,” she added. “But I am glad that I am leaving and the actors are staying and acting.” 

Watch Clarkson reflect on her performance in the clip above.