Coach Kelly Clarkson is returning to The Voice season 20 after feeling under the weather, and fans can’t wait. Out of an abundance of caution during the COVID-19 pandemic, NBC hired Kelsea Ballerini to fill in as a guest coach during the Battles. Ballerini is no stranger to the show, after appearing in season 15 as a fifth coach for the digital series The Comeback Stage, which saw the country music singer mentoring The Voice‘s rejected Blind Audition contestants for a chance to re-enter the competition.
During The Voice season 20 Battles, which lasted three weeks, the coaches paired up their artists for duet performances. Only one from each pairing advanced, unless a coach saved or stole someone. And while Clarkson was available to mentor her team, Ballerini was the one actually sitting in the big red chair for the performances, making the ultimate decisions on who to save and who to eliminate. Along the way, she sought advice from Clarkson, who texted and called her throughout the round.
Fortunately, Clarkson is feeling much better, and she’s ready to head back to The Voice season 20 for the Knockouts, which will also see iconic rapper Snoop Dogg appearing as the mega mentor for all four teams. After the final episode of The Voice Battles ended, a preview shared by Clarkson confirmed her return, and fans have taken to social media to share their excitement at this latest development while also expressing gratitude for Ballerini’s help.
Fans really enjoyed Ballerini filling in for Clarkson on The Voice. If any of them are hoping she becomes a full-time coach, though, that won’t happen anytime soon. NBC recently announced that pop superstar Ariana Grande is joining the coaching panel for season 21. She will replace Nick Jonas and sit alongside returning The Voice coaches Blake Shelton, John Legend, and Clarkson.
Clarkson’s return is very welcome news for her fans and for The Voice viewers everywhere. She joined the singing competition series in season 14 and hasn’t taken a single break along the way. Most of The Voice coaches come and go, but only a few stick around as regulars. Shelton has been with the show since season 1. Legend joined The Voice in season 16 and has also become a regular coach. Despite these celebrities having big careers of their own (Clarkson also films a daily talk show and is getting ready to release a new album this year), they always make sure The Voice stays a part of their lives. It took Clarkson being under the weather for that to briefly change, but fans can’t wait for the gang to get back together.
The Voice airs Mondays at 8 pm on NBC.
