On July 14, “Today with Hoda & Jenna” co-hosts Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager celebrated their nomination for Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Hosts at the upcoming Daytime Emmy Awards. The announcement sparked a blend of humor and heartfelt reflection on the morning show, with Kotb joking, “Kelly Clarkson, who?”—a light-hearted nod to their friendly rivalry with the four-time Emmy winner.
The duo expressed genuine excitement about the nomination, hinting that 2025 might finally be their year. This marks their fifth nomination in the category, and both Kotb and Bush Hager acknowledged the moment with humility and hope. “We’re like the Susan Lucci of daytime talk,” Bush Hager laughed, referencing the soap opera star’s long Emmy wait. “But maybe this time, we’ll sparkle in sequins on the winner’s stage.”
Adding to the celebratory tone, Kotb introduced her new cavapoo puppy, Waffles, live on air. The segment turned sentimental as Kotb, holding the fluffy new addition, joked that they were “twinning” thanks to their matching golden hair. The puppy moment added to the signature charm that fans of the show have come to love—warm, relatable, and unscripted.
Kotb’s return to the spotlight carries additional significance this season. She briefly stepped away from the show in January to focus on family and her personal wellness project, Joy 101. Her reappearance alongside Bush Hager has been marked by renewed energy and a deeper camaraderie between the hosts. Addressing previous speculation about her potentially joining Kelly Clarkson’s former show, Kotb set the record straight, reaffirming her dedication to “Today with Hoda & Jenna” and her admiration for Clarkson as both a performer and peer.
The Daytime Emmy nod not only reflects the show’s growing popularity but also the evolving landscape of morning television. Hoda and Jenna’s chemistry, marked by humor, vulnerability, and genuine friendship, has resonated with viewers navigating their own day-to-day ups and downs. In a space often dominated by scripted polish, their authenticity has become their trademark—and it’s clearly resonating with Emmy voters.
The 2025 Daytime Emmy Awards will be held in October, and while competition remains fierce, Kotb and Bush Hager are leaning into the moment with optimism and laughter. Whether or not they take home the trophy, their light-hearted spirit and enduring connection with audiences are already a win in their own right.
