Mic drop, Voice fans. NBC just delivered a jaw-dropping update: “The Voice” Season 29 will break from tradition with only three superstar coaches competing for the crown when the show returns in Spring 2026. Read all we know about the upcoming shake-up.
John Legend, Kelly Clarkson & Adam Levine will return for a unique twist titled “Battle of the Champions,” where the former winners will face off to determine who’s the best coach of them all.
Fans React to Three-Coach Format
The July 22 post on the official Instagram of “The Voice” left fans stunned and full of questions. “ONLY THREE COACHES?? BATTLE OF THE CHAMPIONS??” one fan wrote.
Another fan suggested: “Is Reba somehow related to Kelly through her ex or something..? We need Blake back for a throwback season and a lot of damn good bantering ❤️🔥👏😂”
Another added, “Now add Jennifer Hudson back as 4th coach and this would be a solid season 💯” while some speculated whether Blake Shelton, Michael Bublé, or Kelsea Ballerini might still appear. Despite the buzz, NBC has confirmed the upcoming season will only feature three coaches.
A Star-Studded Twist: CeeLo Green Returns
While the absence of a fourth coach shocked many, NBC assured fans that CeeLo Green, one of the original coaches from Season 1, will return as a guest judge for a special In-Season All-Star Competition.
This segment will see two past artists from each of the three coaches return to compete during the Knockout Rounds, with CeeLo offering feedback and casting his vote.
Why the Shake-Up?
Since its 2011 debut, “The Voice” has centered around four celebrity coaches mentoring new talent through blind auditions, battles, and live rounds. But after 28 seasons, producers are making bold changes to keep the show fresh.
The Fall 2025 season will feature Niall Horan, Reba McEntire, Snoop Dogg & Michael Bublé. Then, in Spring 2026, the show transitions into a more competitive dynamic between veteran coaches.
A Fresh Format With Fierce Competition
During blind auditions, coaches will compete in a Triple Turn Competition for the top contestants. The winner gains a Battle Round Super Steal, which lets them block a rival coach from stealing a contestant.
Then, in the Knockouts, each coach will bring back two artists from past seasons to battle it out in the All-Star Competition. These changes are making this season as much about the coach’s legacy as it is about finding the next big star.
What to Expect This Spring
Though fans may miss the traditional four-chair dynamic, Season 29 of “The Voice” promises bigger battles, returning fan-favorites, and a new level of strategy.
Get ready for the Battle of the Champions, where coaching legends return to prove who reigns supreme.
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How Many Coaches Will There Be on ‘The Voice’ Season 29?