NEW YORK -- Kelly Clarkson says she’s learned a thing or two about interviewing after being in the spotlight as a recording artist since 2002. So, she’s created a safe space for guests on season six of her talk show which launches Monday. Burned by media stories in the past, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter says she takes a different approach with guests on her daytime show.

Fans of the show — based in New York for its second year — can anticipate even more celebrity interviews, engaging human interest stories, and Clarkson's signature “Kellyoke” musical performances. Clarkson expresses her desire to make guests feel at ease, often incorporating games and lightheartedness into her segments.

Clarkson also holds the title of executive producer on the show, which has been recognized with 22 Daytime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Daytime Host and Talk Show last year. She recently spoke to The Associated Press about her approach to interviews, covering emerging artists, and her experiences blending in on the subway. Answers have been edited for clarity and conciseness.

CLARKSON: By season six, people kind of trust our show more. I think a lot of times some actors or artists - especially in the limelight - they get a little nervous about going on shows because they're like, 'Are they going to try and angle something? Or get some sort of soundbite or clickbait?' That's not what I'm about. I've obviously had that happen to me in my career, so I don't want to do that to anyone. I think people by now feel safe there, and they're willing to, you know, play a silly game that's just fun or they're willing to talk about things they might not normally talk about.

CLARKSON: I know what it's like to be on the receiving end. You just want to promote something you're proud of, and then having to navigate an interview so somebody isn't trying to make their career off of something they try to get you to say - it's just gross and hurtful. There have been certain things where I help navigate the interview in a way that I'm comfortable. I never ask someone something that I wouldn't mind answering. I've definitely been on the receiving end of that, both in positive and very negative ways. I just want people to feel safe and comfortable because it's supposed to be a good time, you know?

CLARKSON: Everything is a cherry on top at this point. I've had the most amazing bookers for my show. I hung out with Dolly Parton and Cher and Heart and Alanis Morissette and Babyface and all these artists I love musically. And then I got to hang out with Josh Brolin, who was in 'The Goonies' and he's Thanos, and it's like, so cool! Meeting people that you love for their work in movies or music and then getting to see a sneak peek of who they are as a person is very fun. I always say Meryl Streep - she is one of my favorites in the industry, whether it's singing or acting or whatever.

CLARKSON: I'm a big fan of Chappell (Roan.) I'm actually covering her quite a bit this season. I love Fletcher. I've always been covering this generation, like Billie (Eilish) or Olivia Rodrigo, there are many of them. There's a lot of talent - Sabrina Carpenter I'm a big fan of. I'm like 42, but I love it. Music is music. That's the cool thing about it. There's no specific culture, specific age, specific, whatever you have to be - it's for everyone. I cover 180 songs a season, which is awesome. It's just a lot of work, so to be able to sing songs and be so excited about these new up-and-coming artists. It's exciting covering these songs and then challenging you a bit, but I love this. It's a great generation of artists right now.

CLARKSON: Absolutely not! I don't look like that at all (gestures to a made-up face). That's not how I wake up! (laughs) I usually wear a mom bun or a hat, and I get away with it. It's only when I speak - as soon as I open my mouth to speak - that people go, 'What?' And then that's what gives me away. I have a very talented hair and makeup team named Harry and Potter - that's what I call them (laughs) - and I'm very lucky. I realize that. On 'The Voice,' I remember any time I'd go out with Blake (Shelton) or John (Legend) anywhere, they just look like them all the time. They can't get away with it, and they can't go anywhere. I'm very blessed. I get to live a pretty normal, average life, and I don't think many people in the spotlight get that. But yeah, the subway's just faster! So, we're on it all the time.