The Voice season 25 is going strong but, as always during this time of year, our focus is starting to turn toward the next season. Why? Well, while we adore the coaches currently mentoring this cast of hopefuls looking to make it big in the singing competition, they don't always stick around for the upcoming season. Whether it's due to scheduling conflicts, touring, or a desire to focus on other projects and give their time to endeavors they have their heart set on, a coach will part ways with the show.
Interestingly, more than one won't be returning for season 26. In fact, nearly the entire coaches panel is going to be wiped clear for the program's next installment. And, no the Queen of Country isn't one of the coaches making an exit. In a move that means she may have to pull double duty, Reba McEntire will be staying on the panel despite her new comedy series, Happy's Place, being greenlit by the network with an expected fall release window.
That leaves Chance the Rapper, John Legend, and the duo Dan + Shay off the panel. I know, it's a surprising move! So who's going to be joining McEntire in season 26? Two new stars and a pop rock queen we're all very familiar with.
The Voice season 26 coaches revealed
Snoop Dogg and Michael Bublé have been tapped to be coaches. Both artists have a history with the competition as Snoop served as a Mega Mentor in season 20, and Bublé was an advisor for Team Blake way back in season 3. Having the two as judges is a unique opportunity for The Voice as it could open the door for more rappers and crooners to try out to compete in the series.
It's also an intentional nod to the judges that are departing since Chance the Rapper is in the same school of music as Snoop, though the elder rapper has more time in the business and has reached icon status among his peers and the general public. Legend and Bublé aren't in the same genre, but they both have velvety smooth voices that harken back to a different time and a warm sound that wraps you up and won't let you go.
So, while this change in coaches could push The Voice in another direction when it comes to the kind of musicians that try out, the competition isn't entirely starting from scratch in terms of the talent the series is looking to draw in. Plus, we will be getting a familiar face among the ranks to help ground these shake-ups.
Gwen Stefani is returning to the program! This will mark Stefani's eighth appearance as a coach on the series. She served in that capacity most recently in season 24.
The Voice season 26 premieres in Fall 2024 on NBC.