While a handful of celebritieswill never sit in the iconic spinning chairsofThe Voice, those who get the chance to do so seem to love their time. Many of them sang the praises of the gig,even coming home to performand mentor when their schedule sees fit. Despite the shrinking live show schedule, it’s still a time-consuming and emotionally draining job. It’s not just sitting there looking pretty as you listen to incredible music.Part of the job requires you to dash the hopes and dreams of aspiring singers.
As filming will begin soon for Season 28 ofThe Voice, if they follow the same schedule as last year, it’s likely that Season 29 will film Blind Auditions this summer as well. That means that the next coaching lineup announcement is only around the corner. But one name certain not to be on that list isKelsea Ballerini. The rookie coach was close to winning Season 27 but was beaten out byMichael Bublé, earning a back-to-back victory. After a recent appearance onTODAY with Jenna & Friends, the country singer admitted,“I need a break!“Could falling short this season have contributed to her decision not to return?
Kelsea Ballerini Loved Her Time on ‘The Voice’
Every so often,The Voiceadds a new name to the roster of celebrities as coaches. The revolving door changes season after season, making it rare to have back-to-back seasons of consistent coaches. It’s just the nature of the gig. When Kelsea Ballerini was added to the family for Season 27,she brought a new and welcome energy to the show.She was charismatic. She was empathetic. Plus, she was accessible to the audience and the artists she mentored. LikeSnoop Doggbefore her, this was not just a passing opportunity.This was an opportunity to help shape the careers of individuals with a passion and a dream.
Having just finished a tour and a stint onThe Voice, she revealed in her interview withJenna Bushthat she was looking forward to having a summer, which means no coaching, at least for the time being. While saying “never say never” to returning to the show, she revealed, “It’s been such a beautiful season of doing things that are out of my comfort zone and bigger than I’ve ever done, and it’s been really fulfilling.I love being in that seat.”
As someone who has notoriously revealed her journey in the industry, having to tell others no likely took a toll on her.She shared on the showabout how, when she was 14, she sang for a record producer. It was an original track called “Flawless.” At the time,Taylor Swift’s single was “Fearless.” And thus, the executive told her, “There’s already a Taylor Swift.” As hard as it was for her to hear, it allowed her to find her own lane and become Kelsea Ballerini. This anecdote was shared with singers she had to reject,helping them understand that this industry isn’t for the faint of heart.And neither is coachingThe Voice.
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Kelsea Ballerini Is Choosing Herself Over ‘The Voice’
Kelsea’s rookie season was rough.She started out promising, but her emotions got the best of her. She allowed some exceptional singers to fall by the wayside. Some even pulled at her heartstrings, where a sense of connection and some guilt prompted her to give eliminated contestants her number on the way out.Had it not been for the Super Save, Kelsea would likely not have had a finalist in the finale.Jaelen Johnstonwas brought back in, became the sole country artist in the live rounds, and wound up snatching runner-up away from two much more qualified artists. But, in the end, Kelsea and Jaelen lost. And her time onThe Voicecame to an abrupt end.
Could this be partially due to losing and having to crush the hopes and dreams of some of her singers? Having been a mentor before, she knew howThe Voiceworked, but sitting in that seat, it was clear that elements of the job were difficult. Perhaps winning the season might have influenced her to return. Just look at Michael Bublé. He’s coming back for his third straight season to defend his crown. Maybe if the country superstar were victorious, she wouldn’t have letReba McEntirereturn. Kidding, of course. No one tells the Queen of Country what to do. Kelsea Ballerini will be missed. She represented something important on the show. She represented the hustle. She’s shown how hard work pays off, and thus,she’s taking a break and time for herself. It’s one of the most noble things one can do.
The Voiceis available to stream on Peacock in the U.S.
