John Legend Joining ‘The Voice’ in 2019, Blake Shelton Returning
Blake Shelton and Kelly Clarkson will return for Season 16 of NBC's The Voice in 2019. They'll be competing against Adam Levine and John Legend.
Legend was announced as a replacement for Jennifer Hudson on Thursday (Sept. 13). It's the first time the Grammy winner has coached a team on the long-running singing competition show. Shelton and Levine have appeared during every season, while Clarkson will coach her third straight season when Season 16 begins in the spring.
In the meantime, Season 15 is set to begin with Hudson on Sept. 24. She returns after a hiatus, replacing the outgoing Alicia Keys. Along with Shelton and Levine, they'll be going after Season 14 winner Clarkson, who successfully coached Brynn Cartelli to a win in May.
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In a statement to Entertainment Tonight, Legend says he's excited to compete. "I've been a guest and mentor on the show multiple times and I’m so excited to discover talented singers and help them make the most of their gift," he states. "I hope the world is ready for #TeamJL."
The Voice started in April 2011, introducing a more positive atmosphere and four spinning chairs to differentiate itself from other shows like American Idol. Eventually, Shelton and Levine's relationship became a cental reason to tune in, and the pair have been about the only constants, aside from host Carson Daly. Country singers whose career were launched after appearing on the show include Danielle Bradbery, RaeLynn, Cassadee Pope and Morgan Wallen. Sundance Head was the last country singer to win, taking Season 11 in 2016.
During Season 15, Keith Urban, Thomas Rhett and Kelsea Ballerini will be joining the show as advisors, or in Ballerini's case, as a guest judge.
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