Kelsea Ballerini, the multi-Grammy nominated music artist and Grand Ole Opry inductee, is stepping onto the stage as the newest coach on NBC’s popular singing competition, The Voice. With the 27th season set to premiere on February 3, 2025, fans are eagerly anticipating her dynamic presence alongside fellow music stars Adam Levine, John Legend, and Michael Bublé.
Ballerini shared her feelings about taking on this coaching role during her appearance on the TODAY show on January 27, where she expressed her excitement and slight apprehension. "That’s scary for me! Because you’re hitting notes,” she recalled after witnessing one contestant sing one of her songs during the blind auditions. "I could tell you were nervous...,” she added, reflecting on the challenging experience contestants face.
For Ballerini, this opportunity feels like the culmination of years of ambition and hard work. She opened up about how she manifested her desire to coach on The Voice after initially filling in for Kelly Clarkson during her illness back in 2021. That experience sparked something within her. “I feel like you have to bet on yourself,” Ballerini declared, sharing how she reached out directly to producers after Clarkson's absence. She made her intentions clear during dinner when she leaned across the table and stated, "... I really want this job, and I promise I can do it." This determination clearly paid off, as she now holds the coveted coaching spot.
Her excitement extends beyond coaching; Ballerini is also embarking on her first-ever arena tour, which began on January 21, 2025, and will run until April 9, 2025. The tour promotes her latest album, Patterns, and includes 36 cities, with stops at iconic venues like the Little Caesars Arena on February 4.
Ballerini's balancing act of coaching on The Voice and headlining her tour has raised eyebrows. How can she manage both? The format of The Voice allows for pre-recording of many episodes, with the live shows dedicated to elimination rounds airing later. This means Ballerini will likely finish her tour before the live episodes begin, allowing her to focus fully on her team during the intense moments of competition.
Despite her busy schedule, Ballerini remains grounded by her personal life. After finding love with actor Chase Stokes, whom she first contacted over social media, Ballerini pointed out the importance of taking chances. “It’s the same thing with leaning across the table to the producers (of The Voice). I just — I really believe in shooting your shot because why not, you know?”
With her head held high, Ballerini is poised to inspire not only her contestants on The Voice but also her fans across the country on her tour. She hopes to create memorable moments for her audience both on stage and on-screen. "I really am giddy," she exclaimed, portraying the nervous excitement of both roles.
Episode schedules indicate new installments of The Voice will air on NBC every Monday and Tuesday, offering plenty of opportunities to catch Ballerini’s coaching progress as well as her unique connection with contestants.
With Ballerini's energy and passion for music radiantly evident, the upcoming season is set to be electrifying. Her presence signifies more than just another coaching change; it symbolizes new opportunities for contestants and fans alike.