Kelly Clarkson Returns as The Voice Coach as Seasons 28 and 29 Film

Kelly Clarkson is returning to The Voice as a coach for Season 29, while the show continues filming Season 28 and Season 29 concurrently. The move comes as Clarkson deals with a personal family tragedy after the death of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, from melanoma. Production adjustments have been made to accommodate Clarkson’s schedule, with Jennifer Hudson subbing in for Clarkson during a recent battle-round rehearsal, and the network confirming that Clarkson will resume her coaching duties as the cycles unfold.

Season 29, billed in previews as a Battle of Champions, reunites Clarkson with fellow winning coaches Adam Levine and John Legend. While Clarkson missed one taping following Blackstock’s passing earlier this month, producers have indicated that the show is adapting to the circumstances and will honor Clarkson’s need to be with her children. The decision to keep two cycles in production at once—Season 28 is set to premiere in September with coaches including Michael Bublé, Reba McEntire, Niall Horan and Snoop Dogg—reflects the network’s effort to maintain a robust fall and spring slate while supporting the principals involved.

Clarkson has spoken publicly about...