Radio is a weirdly intimate thing. You’re in your car, maybe feeling like the world is crashing down or just trying to survive the school drop-off, and these voices become your literal best friends. For over 15 years, those voices for millions of people belonged to Scott Smith and Kelli Caldwell.
Then, everything changed.
If you’ve tuned in recently to find the midday or afternoon slot sounding a little different, you aren't alone. People have been scouring the internet trying to figure out if they quit, got fired, or if there’s some "secret" drama behind the scenes. Honestly, the reality is a bit more nuanced than a simple "goodbye," and it has everything to do with how the K-LOVE network is shifting its entire strategy for 2026.
The Big Split: Why Scott and Kelli Aren't Together Anymore
Let’s rip the Band-Aid off: The Scott and Kelli Show as we knew it officially ended in late April 2025.
It wasn't a sudden walk-out or a scandalous firing. According to official announcements from Educational Media Foundation (EMF), the parent company of K-LOVE, the network decided to move toward a "24/7 live-hosted" model. Basically, they wanted live DJs on the air at every single hour of the day and night to keep that human connection going around the clock.
To make that work, they had to shuffle the deck.
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Instead of keeping Scott and Kelli as a duo, the bosses decided to split them up to anchor their own individual time slots. It’s like when a legendary band breaks up not because they hate each other, but because the label wants two solo albums to fill the schedule.
Where are they now?
If you're looking for them on the dial, they haven't left the building. You just have to change when you listen:
- Scott Smith moved into the midday slot. You can usually catch him between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. CT. He’s still doing his thing—sharing those "Positive, Encouraging" stories—but he’s flying solo now.
- Kelli Caldwell took on a massive shift change. She moved to overnights, anchoring the 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. CT slot.
It’s a huge adjustment. Imagine working side-by-side with a partner for over a decade and then suddenly being the only one in the booth at 3 in the morning. Kelli has been vocal about her heart for the "heartbroken and lost," so the overnight shift actually fits her ministry style, even if it wreaks havoc on a sleep schedule.
The "Scott and Kelly" Confusion (It’s Kelli with an 'i')
If you’ve been Googling "Scott and Kelly," you’ve probably run into a bit of a digital dead end or found some confusing results. First off, it’s Kelli Caldwell, not Kelly. Small detail, but it matters when you’re looking for her specific social media updates or her "Kelli's K-LOVE Story" videos.
There’s also a totally separate "Scott and Kelley" in the zeitgeist—Scott Wolf (the actor) and his wife Kelley Wolf. They’ve had their own headlines recently involving personal life shifts and social media cryptic posts, which has led to a massive amount of "search engine soup."
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If you are here for the Christian radio personalities, don't get sidetracked by the Hollywood drama. Our K-LOVE Scott and Kelli are still very much in the ministry world, just in different chairs.
Why Fans Are Actually Upset
Radio listeners don't like change. When you spend 15 years listening to two people laugh at each other's jokes, they become part of your routine. The "bittersweet" nature of this move—as the network called it—didn't sit well with everyone.
Some long-time listeners on platforms like Reddit and Facebook expressed frustration that the "chemistry" of the duo was sacrificed for "efficiency." The Scott and Kelli dynamic was built on a very specific kind of banter. Scott, the sports-loving optimist who grew up in Minnesota, and Kelli, the theater teacher turned missionary with a deep, infectious laugh.
When you separate them, that specific magic evaporates.
There’s also been a lot of chatter about the corporate direction of K-LOVE. With the move to 24/7 live hosting, some feel the station is becoming more "produced" and less "organic." Whether that’s true or just nostalgia talking is up for debate, but the impact on K-LOVE Scott and Kelli remains the most talked-about shift in the network's recent history.
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The Legacy of the Duo
It’s hard to overstate how much ground these two covered. They weren't just playing Chris Tomlin and Lauren Daigle tracks. They were on the front lines of some pretty heavy stuff.
Take the story of "Eric" from 2016. A man was literally on the Golden Gate Bridge, ready to end it all, when he heard Scott and Kelli on his car radio. He called in. They didn't just give him a "God loves you" platitude; they stayed on the line, engaged the audience, and a wave of local listeners actually showed up to help him.
That’s the kind of weight the Scott and Kelli brand carried. It wasn't just radio; it was a lifeline.
What This Means for You (Actionable Steps)
If you miss the duo, you don't have to just sit in the silence. Here’s how you can still engage with them and find that same vibe:
- Adjust Your App Alerts: If you use the K-LOVE app, you can follow Scott Smith and Kelli Caldwell individually. The app allows you to see their specific playlists and segments. Since they are in different time zones now (Scott in the day, Kelli at night), using the "On Demand" feature is the only way to hear them "back-to-back" like the old days.
- Follow the Personal Pages: Both are active on social media. Kelli often shares more of her "behind the scenes" life, including her coffee obsessions and family updates. Scott remains a big sports fan (go Vikings) and shares encouraging clips from his midday show.
- Check the Podcasts: K-LOVE often repackages their best segments into "K-LOVE On Demand" podcasts. If you search for the "Scott and Kelli" archive, there are years of content still available to stream when you need a hit of that old chemistry.
- Give the New Lineup a Chance: The move made room for new voices like Christina James (evenings) and Careth (nights). While they aren't Scott and Kelli, the network is trying to build new "friendships" with the audience.
The era of the midday duo might be over, but the individuals are still very much a part of the K-LOVE family. It's just a different chapter. Sometimes the "Right Song at the Right Time" now comes from a solo voice instead of a pair.
To stay updated on their specific show times or to send them a message of encouragement, your best bet is to visit their official DJ profiles on the K-LOVE website, as time slots can occasionally shift during pledge drives or holiday seasons.