The Voice is returning for Season 29—but fans should be ready for a very different competition. Officially titled The Voice: Battle of Champions, the new season introduces a revamped format, a reduced coaching panel, returning contestants, and a live in-studio voting element. With major changes across the board, Season 29 aims to raise the stakes like never before.
The NBC singing competition premieres on February 23, 2026, marking the show’s first-ever “champions-only” season. Veteran coaches Kelly Clarkson, Adam Levine, and John Legend—all former winners—will occupy the iconic red chairs, guiding their teams through a faster, more strategic battle.
When Does The Voice Season 29 Premiere?
Season 29 kicks off on Monday, February 23, 2026, with an aggressive first-week schedule designed to capture early attention. NBC will air three two-hour episodes during premiere week before settling into its regular weekly format.
Premiere Week Schedule
-
Monday, Feb. 23 – 9:00 PM ET
-
Wednesday, Feb. 25 – 8:00 PM ET
-
Thursday, Feb. 26 – 8:00 PM ET
Beginning March 2, the show will move to one episode per week. NBC’s strategy pairs the premiere with major network programming, aiming to maximize viewership from the start.
Who Are the Coaches for Season 29?
For the first time in The Voice history, only three coaches will lead the competition—and all three are proven champions.
-
Kelly Clarkson – Four winning artists, including Girl Named Tom
-
Adam Levine – Three wins, including Javier Colon and Jordan Smith
-
John Legend – Winner in his debut season with Maelyn Jarmon
The trio was selected for their popularity, experience, and track records, making Season 29 a true clash of elite coaches.
CeeLo Green Returns in a Powerful New Role
Original Voice coach CeeLo Green returns—but not as a coach. Instead, he will serve as the deciding judge during the In-Season All-Star Sing-Offs in the Knockouts. His decisions will directly impact which coaches advance artists to the finale.
-
Determines winners of all sing-offs
-
Influences which coach earns a second finalist
-
Plays a critical role despite not leading a team
What’s New in the Season 29 Format?
Season 29 introduces the most dramatic format overhaul in years, emphasizing strategy, speed, and competition.
Major Format Changes Include:
-
Triple Turn Competition (Blind Auditions): Coaches compete to earn the most three-chair turns, with the winner gaining a special advantage.
-
Super Steal: A powerful steal that overrides all others and guarantees an artist transfer.
-
Smaller Teams: Each coach starts with 10 artists.
-
Returning Contestants: Each coach brings back two former team members during the Knockouts for a second chance.
Live Voting Twist in Semifinals and Finale
Another major change comes during the live rounds. A new in-studio voting block, made up of superfans and former Voice artists, will vote in real time during the semifinals and finale.
-
Includes past contestants and dedicated fans
-
Votes are cast live in the studio
-
Could directly determine the winning coach
Who Is Hosting and How Did Auditions Work?
Carson Daly is expected to continue as host, maintaining continuity amid the changes. Auditions were held primarily online, allowing both new and returning artists to submit videos and attend virtual callbacks.
-
Online submissions via NBC’s platform
-
Virtual auditions expanded access nationwide
-
Returning artists officially allowed under the new format
Can Former Contestants Compete Again?
Yes. Season 29 actively encourages comeback stories. Former contestants may return during the Knockouts to compete in all-star sing-offs, giving artists a second chance to advance further than before.
Where Is Season 29 Filmed and How Can You Watch?
-
Filming Location: Universal Studios, Los Angeles
-
Network: NBC
-
Streaming: Episodes available on Peacock the day after airing
Fans can also request in-studio audience tickets through NBC’s official channels.
Final Thoughts
The Voice: Battle of Champions represents a bold new chapter for the long-running NBC series. With only three powerhouse coaches, returning fan-favorite artists, strategic twists like the Triple Turn and Super Steal, and live audience voting, Season 29 promises higher intensity and deeper competition than ever before.