In a thrilling announcement that has sent waves of excitement through the music and television world, Kelly Clarkson is set to return as a coach for Season 28 of NBC’s hit singing competition, The Voice. The news, confirmed by NBC in late April 2025, comes after Clarkson’s notable absence from the show since Season 23 in 2023, and her return has sparked a frenzy among fans who have longed to see the original American Idol winner back in the iconic red chair. Clarkson’s comeback is poised to bring a fresh dynamic to the show, blending her signature warmth, humor, and unparalleled vocal expertise with a new lineup of coaches for the season, which is expected to premiere in September 2025.

Kelly Clarkson, now 43, first joined The Voice as a coach in Season 14 back in 2018, quickly becoming a fan favorite for her genuine connection with contestants and her knack for spotting raw talent. Over her nine-season tenure, she coached four winners—more than many of her peers—solidifying her status as one of the show’s most successful mentors. Her victories included guiding 16-year-old country singer Chevel Shepherd to the win in Season 15, a testament to her ability to nurture diverse talent. Clarkson’s departure after Season 23 was driven by personal priorities, including her move from Los Angeles to New York City to focus on her family and her daytime talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, which recently celebrated its sixth season and has been renewed for a seventh. She shares two children, River Rose and Remington Alexander, with her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock, and has often spoken about the importance of balancing her career with motherhood.

The decision to step away from The Voice was not taken lightly. In a 2023 interview with USA Today, Clarkson hinted that she might not return to the show, citing the emotional toll of her cross-country move and the need for a “fresh start” for her family following her divorce. “I’ve learned a lot about what I’m capable of handling, and also what you should not handle,” she said at the time. Her brief appearances on the show since then—including a performance of her holiday single “You for Christmas” during the Season 26 finale in December 2024—kept her connected to The Voice family, but fans were left yearning for her to reclaim her role as a coach. Social media platforms like Instagram and X lit up with pleas for her return, with comments like “I miss you on The Voice” and “Who else hopes Kelly will be back soon?” flooding her posts.

NBC’s announcement of Clarkson’s return for Season 28 came alongside the confirmation that Snoop Dogg, who coached in Season 26, will also be back after taking a break during Season 27. Snoop teased his return during the Season 26 finale, telling host Carson Daly, “It feels like I could come back and do it again.” While Snoop is the only other confirmed coach for Season 28 so far, speculation is rife about who else might join the panel. Season 27, which premiered in February 2025, featured a mix of returning and new coaches, including Adam Levine, John Legend, Kelsea Ballerini, and Michael Bublé. Fans are buzzing with theories that Clarkson’s return might pave the way for other beloved coaches, like Blake Shelton, to make a comeback, though nothing has been confirmed.

Clarkson’s return is particularly significant given her history with the show and her unique perspective as a former contestant herself. Having won the inaugural season of American Idol in 2002, Clarkson brought an empathetic approach to coaching, often drawing on her own experiences to guide her team. This was a trait she shared with fellow Idol alum Jennifer Hudson, who also coached on The Voice in Seasons 13 and 15. Clarkson’s ability to connect with contestants on a personal level—whether through heartfelt advice or her signature sense of humor—made her a standout. Her coaching style was often described as nurturing yet competitive, a balance that led to her impressive track record of wins.

The news of her return has also reignited discussions about her past experiences with criticism in the industry. In a March 2025 episode of Kylie Kelce’s podcast Not Gonna Lie, Clarkson revealed that some of her harshest critics after her Idol win later became coaches on The Voice. “People that were really mean have been coaches,” she said, reflecting on how those who once dismissed talent shows ended up joining the same competitive space. While she didn’t name names, the revelation added a layer of intrigue to her return, with fans speculating about potential dynamics with other coaches in Season 28.

Beyond her coaching legacy, Clarkson’s return is a win for The Voice as it continues to evolve. The show, now in its 28th season, has seen a revolving door of coaches over the years, from originals like Blake Shelton and Adam Levine to newer faces like Kelsea Ballerini and Snoop Dogg. Shelton, who holds the record for the most wins with nine, left after Season 23, and his absence has left a void that many hope Clarkson can fill with her vibrant energy. Her recent performance in the Season 26 finale, where she stunned in a sheer Alexander McQueen gown and belted out a holiday tune, reminded viewers of her star power and vocal prowess. Fans on social media praised her, with one writing, “sing the damn song KELLY!” as she hit soaring high notes, earning a standing ovation.

Clarkson’s return also comes at a time when she’s thriving professionally and personally. The Kelly Clarkson Show, which films in New York City, has become a daytime TV juggernaut, averaging 1.2 million viewers per day in the 2024-25 season. The show’s success, coupled with her three Grammy wins and a catalog of hits like “Since U Been Gone” and “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You),” has solidified her as a multifaceted talent. Yet, her willingness to step back into the high-pressure world of The Voice speaks to her passion for music and mentorship. In a statement accompanying NBC’s announcement, Clarkson expressed her excitement: “I’m thrilled to be back on The Voice. It’s such a special show, and I can’t wait to work with new artists and help them shine.”

The timing of her return aligns with The Voice’s typical schedule of two seasons per year, with the fall season usually premiering in mid-September. While an exact premiere date for Season 28 hasn’t been announced, a September 2025 debut is likely, giving fans something to look forward to as the summer winds down. The show’s format will likely remain consistent, with blind auditions, battle rounds, knockouts, and live performances culminating in a finale where America votes for the winner. Clarkson’s presence is expected to bring a renewed sense of excitement to the competition, especially as she joins forces with Snoop Dogg, whose laid-back vibe and industry savvy made him a hit with viewers in Season 26.

For aspiring artists, Clarkson’s return is a golden opportunity. Her track record of spotting and nurturing talent is unmatched, and her empathetic approach makes her a dream coach for contestants hoping to break into the industry. Past winners under her guidance have praised her mentorship, with Chevel Shepherd noting in a 2018 interview that Clarkson’s belief in her gave her the confidence to perform at her best. As The Voice continues to be a launchpad for new talent—past winners like Huntley and Asher HaVon have gone on to release successful singles—Clarkson’s involvement ensures that Season 28 will be a season to watch.

The announcement has also sparked a wave of nostalgia for longtime fans of The Voice, who remember Clarkson’s early days on the show alongside coaches like Blake Shelton and John Legend. Her chemistry with her fellow coaches, often marked by playful banter and mutual respect, was a highlight of her tenure. While the full coaching lineup for Season 28 remains under wraps, Clarkson’s return sets the stage for a season filled with talent, emotion, and perhaps a few surprises.

As the premiere of Season 28 approaches, one thing is clear: Kelly Clarkson’s return to The Voice is a cause for celebration. Her journey from American Idol winner to Grammy-winning artist to beloved TV host and coach has been nothing short of inspiring, and her presence on the show will undoubtedly bring a fresh wave of energy and heart. For fans, contestants, and even her fellow coaches, Clarkson’s comeback is a reminder of the magic that happens when talent, passion, and kindness collide on one of television’s biggest stages.