The Reason Kelly Clarkson Isn't Returning To The Voice

‘The Voice’ is still one of the most popular reality competition shows across the nation. As well as having several international versions of the show, it’s also seen some of the biggest stars rise to fame. After all, Koryn Hawthorne, Cassadee Pope, Jordan Smith, and Sawyer Fredericks are just some of the many names to make it out of the US version of ‘The Voice.’

The idea is simple. People use their voices alone to wow the judges enough to make them turn their chairs around before they’re assigned a team and battle it out to be victorious through several weeks of competition. Although Kelly Clarkson joined the show in season 14, and has been there ever since, it turns out the judge won’t be returning for season 22. So, what’s the reason Kelly Clarkson isn’t returning to ‘The Voice’?

Gwen Stefani and Camila Cabello are joining The Voice

It’s perhaps no secret that ‘The Voice’ has seen plenty of stars come and go throughout the years. The likes of CeeLo Green, Shakira, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Ariana Grande, and Nick Joans have all served as judges throughout the years. Now, season 22 of ‘The Voice’ will see two new faces step in. Gwen Stefani, who has already appeared on and off throughout the years, is one, while first-time ‘The Voice’ judge Camila Cabello will join returning judges John Legend and Blake Shelton for the new series. 

Kelly Clarkson wants to focus on her family

What’s the reason Kelly Clarkson isn’t returning to ‘The Voice’? It’s simple: the musician wants to spend time with her family. She admitted as much while talking to Carson Daly and Hoda Kobt on the ‘Today’ show. Kelly confessed that it’s “maybe common for a lot of working people” as she doesn’t get the summers off, and it’s “been a rough couple of years,” seemingly hinting toward her recent divorce. The musician also added it’s “really important to me to shut down for a minute” as she wants to be there for her children.

Her other projects are also taking a break

According to Kelly Clarkson, separating from Brandon Blackstock has meant her children have to travel a lot as they split their time between their parents. However, that all changed when they both ended up in Montana, seeming to prompt a break from work. That’s right; it’s not just ‘The Voice’ that will be missing Kelly for the new season. The musician has also decided to take a break from her daytime show ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’ for a time as she pours everything into raising her family. 

Kelly Clarkson’s co-stars apparently support her decision

Thankfully, it seems that Kelly Clarkson’s decision not to return to ‘The Voice’ has been met with a lot of support. The musician admitted to ‘Entertainment Tonight’ that she broke the news to her co-judges through text, and they all “understood” and “get it.” According to Kelly, she’s always wanted to show her kids that she loves what she does and loves work, but “we need to be together” and wants them to understand how important it is to focus on family life every now and then.

Blake Shelton is the only remaining original judge on ‘The Voice,’ and he has gained a lot of success - winning the series no fewer than eight times. Although Kelly Clarkson is stepping away from the show to focus on her family, it doesn’t look as though a return to ‘The Voice’ is entirely off the table in the future.