On July 22, 2025, NBC sent fans of The Voice into a frenzy with the announcement that Kelly Clarkson, the beloved original American Idol winner and four-time The Voice champion coach, will reclaim her red chair for Season 29, set to premiere in spring 2026. Dubbed “The Voice: Battle of Champions,” this season promises a thrilling shake-up with a new format and a powerhouse trio of coaches: Clarkson, John Legend, and Adam Levine. As the first season in the show’s history to feature only three coaches, all of whom have previously led their teams to victory, Season 29 is poised to be a landmark chapter in the iconic singing competition. Clarkson’s return, alongside her esteemed co-stars, marks a nostalgic reunion and a fierce new chapter, raising the stakes for both coaches and contestants in what NBC calls a “Legendary February” event.

A Champion’s Comeback

Kelly Clarkson’s return to The Voice is a homecoming for fans who have missed her infectious energy, sharp coaching instincts, and heartfelt mentorship. Clarkson, who last coached in Season 23 in 2023, stepped away from the show to focus on her Emmy-winning The Kelly Clarkson Show and her personal life after a challenging divorce from Brandon Blackstock. In a 2023 USA Today interview, she spoke candidly about needing a “fresh start” in New York City, where her talk show is now based, saying, “I was struggling. I can’t smile anymore. I don’t feel like smiling.” Her decision to leave The Voice was driven by a desire to prioritize her children, River and Remington, and her mental health.

Now, with a renewed sense of purpose, Clarkson is back, ready to bring her signature mix of heart, humor, and fierce loyalty to the red chair. A Texas native with deep roots in country music, she has a proven track record of nurturing talent, having coached four winners: Brynn Cartelli (Season 14), Chevel Shepherd (Season 15), Jake Hoot (Season 17), and Girl Named Tom (Season 21). Her ability to connect with contestants, particularly those with country leanings, has made her a fan favorite. “Clarkson embodies everything fans love about the show,” Taste of Country noted, praising her “powerhouse vocals, sharp instincts, and deep roots in country music.” NBC has worked out a bi-coastal schedule to accommodate her filming The Kelly Clarkson Show in New York while coaching in Los Angeles, ensuring her return is seamless.

The Battle of Champions: A Stellar Coaching Trio

Joining Clarkson are two other The Voice legends: John Legend and Adam Levine, marking their first reunion since Season 16 in 2019. This trio of past winners—Clarkson with four victories, Levine with three, and Legend with one—sets the stage for a fiercely competitive season. The “Battle of Champions” moniker reflects their winning records and the high stakes of the new format, which NBC describes as “infused with fast-paced, competitive elements inspired by NBC Sports.” The season will coincide with major sporting events like Super Bowl LX and the Milan Cortina Olympic Winter Games, adding to the electric atmosphere.

Adam Levine, the Maroon 5 frontman and an original coach from Season 1, returns after a six-year hiatus, having last coached in Season 27 in 2025. His tenure from Seasons 1 to 16 included three wins with Javier Colon (Season 1), Tessanne Chin (Season 5), and Jordan Smith (Season 9), and his playful rivalry with Blake Shelton became a hallmark of the show’s early years. CinemaBlend noted Levine’s contribution to “some of the wildest moments in The Voice’s history,” and fans are eager to see his charisma and strategic coaching style back in action.

John Legend, who joined in Season 16, brings soulful expertise and a single win with Maelyn Jarmon in his debut season. Having coached intermittently through Seasons 16 to 27, Legend is known for his thoughtful mentorship and ability to elevate diverse talents. His return alongside Clarkson and Levine creates a dynamic panel, with each coach bringing a unique perspective: Clarkson’s pop-country crossover appeal, Levine’s pop-rock edge, and Legend’s R&B and soul mastery.

A Revolutionary New Format

Season 29 introduces bold changes to The Voice’s format, designed to heighten competition and engage viewers. For the first time, the show will feature only three coaches, a departure from the traditional four-chair panel. The Blind Auditions will include a “Triple Turn Competition,” where Clarkson, Legend, and Levine compete to secure the most artists who turn all three chairs. The coach with the most three-chair turns earns a “Super Steal” in the Battle Rounds, giving them the power to override another coach’s steal attempt—a game-changing advantage.

The Knockout Rounds bring another twist: an “In-Season All-Star Competition,” where each coach selects two fan-favorite artists from their past teams to compete in head-to-head sing-offs. These battles, judged by original The Voice coach CeeLo Green, add a layer of nostalgia and high stakes. The coach with the most sing-off wins secures a second finalist in the Top 4, ensuring their team has a strong presence in the finale. While some fans on X expressed excitement, others voiced concerns about fairness, with one user commenting, “Sounds confusing and unfair to current contestants to bring back older ones in the middle.”

The Semi-Finals and Finale introduce a new voting block of past The Voice artists and super fans, who will vote in real-time alongside the in-studio audience. This innovation aims to deepen fan engagement, though some online critics called it “gimmicky,” arguing the show should focus more on contestants than coaches. Despite mixed reactions, the changes signal NBC’s intent to keep The Voice fresh after 27 seasons.

Clarkson’s Legacy and Connection to Country

Clarkson’s return is particularly significant for country music fans, given her Texas roots and success mentoring country artists like Chevel Shepherd and Jake Hoot. Her debut album, Thankful, and hits like “Since U Been Gone” and “Stronger” established her as a pop powerhouse, but her country collaborations, including duets with Reba McEntire and Jason Aldean, showcase her versatility. Taste of Country highlighted her “fierce loyalty” to country-leaning artists, noting her ability to connect with contestants on a personal level.

Her time on The Voice has been marked by memorable moments, from her emotional coaching of 15-year-old Brynn Cartelli, who became the show’s youngest winner in Season 14, to her history-making win with Girl Named Tom, the first group to take the title in Season 21. People magazine praised Clarkson’s ability to foster champions, noting her “A+ advice” and genuine investment in her team. Her return is seen as a nod to the show’s country roots, especially following Blake Shelton’s departure after Season 23 in 2023, where he secured nine wins, the most of any coach.

The Voice’s Evolving Landscape

Season 29’s announcement comes on the heels of Season 28, set to air in fall 2025 with coaches Michael Bublé, Snoop Dogg, Niall Horan, and Reba McEntire. The simultaneous filming of Seasons 28 and 29, a logistical move to accommodate busy schedules like Clarkson’s, underscores NBC’s commitment to keeping The Voice a staple of its lineup. Reba, who teased her return on Instagram with, “Back in my other Happy Place,” will bring her country flair to Season 28, paving the way for Clarkson’s return in Season 29.

The show’s history is rich with star-studded coaches, from original panelists Blake Shelton, Adam Levine, Christina Aguilera, and CeeLo Green to later additions like Gwen Stefani, Alicia Keys, and Ariana Grande. Shelton, the longest-serving coach with 23 seasons, left a legacy of nine wins, including stars like Cassadee Pope and Danielle Bradbery. Clarkson, with four wins in nine seasons, boasts an impressive win rate, second only to Shelton. Her return, alongside Levine and Legend, feels like a return to the show’s roots while pushing it forward with new twists.

Fan Excitement and Expectations

The announcement of Clarkson’s return sparked a wave of excitement on X, with fans posting, “The Team Kelly is back!” and “Epic!! Awesome! Your ratings are going to go through the roof!!!” Others expressed mixed feelings about the format changes, with one user noting, “My brain hurts just thinking about this new format.” Despite the debate, Clarkson’s comeback is a major draw, with her heartfelt coaching style and vocal prowess expected to shine. Variety called the Season 29 lineup a “reunion of show legends,” predicting a season that balances nostalgia with innovation.

As The Voice approaches its 29th season, Clarkson’s return signals a new era for the show. Her ability to connect with contestants, combined with the competitive energy of Levine and Legend, sets the stage for a season that promises to be both emotional and electrifying. With a revamped format and a trio of champion coaches, The Voice: Battle of Champions is poised to deliver unforgettable moments when it premieres in spring 2026, proving that Kelly Clarkson’s red chair is exactly where she belongs.