Just half an hour ago, NBC revealed that Grammy-winning artist Kelly Clarkson will officially return as a full-time coach on The Voice for its 25th season. The announcement came during a live press event in New York, where Clarkson joined current judges John Legend and Chance the Rapper. The news, which had been rumored for weeks, was met with excitement as Clarkson confirmed her return, expressing her eagerness to help discover new talent. “This show changed my life,” she said, referencing her previous time as a coach from 2018 to 2023.
Clarkson’s comeback is a significant shift for the show, which has had a rotating panel of judges in recent seasons. Known for her humor, raw talent, and honest feedback, she became a fan favorite during her earlier tenure. NBC’s Jenny Garth described Clarkson as “the heart and soul of The Voice,” hinting that her involvement could extend beyond coaching, possibly taking on a “mega-mentor” role with appearances from past contestants. The new season will also feature Reba McEntire and a fourth coach still to be announced.
Fans were quick to react to the news, flooding social media with celebratory posts and clips from Clarkson’s most iconic moments on the show. From her friendly rivalry with Blake Shelton to her emotional support of underdog artists, Clarkson’s time as a coach left a lasting impact. Fellow past and present coaches, including Shelton and Ariana Grande, congratulated her on Twitter, with Shelton humorously commenting, “Great, now I have to hear her yell ‘I’m your coach!’ from my couch again.”
Clarkson’s career continues to thrive beyond The Voice. Her Emmy-winning talk show remains a ratings powerhouse, and her recent Las Vegas residency sold out in record time. With rumors of new music on the horizon, her return to The Voice further solidifies her status as one of the most versatile stars in entertainment. Fans are already speculating about crossovers with her talk show, and with Clarkson back in the mix, Season 25 promises to be an exciting chapter for the hit series.
