Kelly Clarkson Reflects On Her Rookie Cameo, Apologizes To Cast & Crew


Kelly Clarkson recalls her cameo on The Rookie during season 5 in 2023, where she appeared in the episode “Death Notice.” The police procedural follows the story of John Nolan, the oldest rookie in the LAPD, as he navigates the challenges of a midlife career change into law enforcement. With a mix of action, drama, and humor, the series has garnered a devoted following since its debut in 2018. Led by Nathan Fillion, The Rookie cast also includes Alyssa Diaz, Richard T. Jones, and Eric Winter. The Rookie season 7 began this year.

In a recent fan Q&A segment on The Kelly Clarkson Show, the Grammy-winning singer and beloved talk show host opened up about her time on the set of The Rookie (via EW). Clarkson played a version of herself in the episode, delivering flowers and balloons to someone in the hospital while stuck in an overcrowded elevator. She confessed that her excitement about the role quickly gave way to overwhelming nerves. Here’s what she had to say:

Oh my God, I was terrified. I have to apologize to that cast and crew. I was terrified. 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.

What Kelly Clarkson’s Rookie Cameo Means

The Magic Of Guest Stars And Crossovers

Clarkson’s experience on the set of The Rookie highlights a universal truth: even stars get overwhelmed in the presence of their idols. While she’s a celebrated host and performer, it was still a daunting experience for Clarkson. Understandably, her nerves were heightened by her admiration for Fillion, a beloved actor known for the crime-drama Castle and cult-classic favorite Firefly. As a lighthearted cameo on The Rookie, Clarkson’s character is stuck in a hospital elevator as cast members squeeze in at every floor. While a simple sequence, it demonstrates the collaborative effort behind even minor scenes in television production.

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Set in Los Angeles, The Rookie has embraced its setting to naturally include cameos and guest stars. The show has featured several notable appearances over the years, including cameos from the cast of Firefly and Castle, like Castle alum Tamala Jones. Other memorable cameos include The Office star Rainn Wilson, who played himself in a mockumentary segment during season 3, and icons like Will.i.am and Pete Davidson. These guest appearances have become a hallmark of The Rookie, enhancing its charm and making its Los Angeles backdrop feel authentic and vibrant, while connecting Fillion to his earlier fan-favorite projects.

Our Take On Kelly Clarkson’s Rookie Cameo

Nerves, Nostalgia, And A Memorable TV Moment

Clarkson’s The Rookie cameo is a delightful reminder that even larger-than-life celebrities are excited fans at heart. While Clarkson downplays her performance, her appearance brought a playful and memorable moment to the show as her bubbly personality blends with The Rookie’s lighthearted charm. Her experience also highlights the unique appeal of Los Angeles-set shows, where familiar faces seamlessly pop in and out of the narrative, creating crossover moments that resonate with both devoted fans and casual viewers.

Source: The Kelly Clarkson Show (via EW)

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The Rookie

Release Date

October 16, 2018

Showrunner

Alexi Hawley

Directors

Tori Garrett, Chi-Yoon Chung, Michael Goi, Sylvain White, Lisa Demaine, Lanre Olabisi, Bill Johnson, David McWhirter, Liz Friedlander, Daniel Willis, Toa Fraser, Anne Renton, Jon Huertas, Cherie Nowlan, TK Shom, Rob Seidenglanz, Valerie Weiss, Barbara Brown, Charissa Sanjarernsuithikul, SJ Main Muñoz, Nelson McCormick, Marcus Stokes, Adam Davidson, Anna Mastro

Writers

Corey Miller, Bill Rinier, Zoe Cheng, Mary Trahan, Ally Seibert, Liz Alper, Nick Hurwitz, Racheal Seymour, Madeleine Coghlan, David Radcliff




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