The Rock Skips Honeymoon to Cover for Kevin Hart On Kelly Clarkson's Talk Show

Kevin Hart was scheduled to be the very first guest on Kelly Clarkson's new talk show, but after his injury, one of his good friends had to step up in a big way.

The Rock ended up being the first guest on "The Kelly Clarkson Show," which taped Tuesday in L.A.

Sources at the show tell us Dwayne Johnson actually cut his honeymoon in Kauai short to cover for Hart, after the comedian underwent emergency back surgery following the car wreck over Labor Day weekend.

In a clip released from the show, "The Voice" judge tells her audience that Hart was slated to be her first guest, ever.

She then explains, "One of his good friends stepped the heck up ... and I love him!"

Clarkson said she was extremely nervous for her first show, and wasn't sure what she was going to do when word got back that Hart wouldn't be able to tape.

She explained that he bailed on his honeymoon earlier, and admitted that his wife, "probably hates me."

Clarkson introduced The Rock, and the crowd went absolutely nuts.

Listen, it's very sad that Hart couldn't make it ... but having The Rock take his place is a pretty gigantic consolation prize. Even Hart would have to find some humor in it.

We'll have to wait and see what the "Jumanji" star talks about during his sit-down with Clarkson, as her talk show doesn't officially premiere until September 9.

As we reported, Hart underwent back surgery this week following the early Sunday morning car wreck near his home.

The surgery was a success, but the comedian is looking at a long road to recovery.

Luckily, he's getting by with a little help from his friends.