Blake Shelton Fans Demand Answers After NBC Reveals a Major ‘Voice’ Season 29 Update

The Voice: Battle of Champions revealed an exciting piece of information—but does it involve the OG coach?

The Voice just gave a massive clue about the next season of the show, and fans are begging for a major player to return.

Back in July 2025, viewers of The Voice learned the show had been renewed for season 29. But unlike most seasons, the new installment would be different, thanks to a change in the show’s format. The show will be called The Voice: Battle of Champions, and the series will see three veteran coaches vie for the title of the best coach on The Voice. Kelly Clarkson, Adam Levine, and John Legend will be the coaches in season 29.

With all of these changes in mind, fans have been eager to know when they can tune into The Voice: Battle of Champions. Well, thanks to a new Instagram announcement, we learned The Voice: Battle of Champions will premiere on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 9 p.m. ET on NBC.

“Season 29 is officially unwrapped!” the caption read on November 14. “#TheVoice: Battle of Champions premieres February 23 9/8c | @nbc and Peacock.”

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While fans were thrilled to learn a new season of The Voice was coming soon, many had concerns about one veteran coach not returning. Mainly, they weren’t happy to see OG coach Blake Shelton (who left the series in May 2023) not taking part in this epic new twist.

“BLAKE BETTER BE COMING BACK! ❤️,” one person exclaimed in the comments. “Champion season should include Blake Shelton. He has won the most and he was asked to come back. 😢,” another declared. “But hello where is Blake for this??” a different follower added.

As some may remember, Blake was a long-standing Voice coach from season 1 to season 23. Throughout his tenure on the show, he also won a record-breaking nine times. His last time becoming the coach champion occurred in season 22, when he helped Bryce Leatherwood take home the trophy in December 2022.

The confirmed The Voice: Battle of Champions coaches have a combined total of eight wins under their belts. Kelly has won four times over the years (seasons 14, 15, 17, and 21), Adam won three times (seasons 1, 5, and 9), and John helped Maelyn Jarmon win season 16 in May 2019.

Even though it’s upsetting that Blake won’t return to The Voice, he has some valid reasons. Blake is doing a Las Vegas residency in early 2026, which would make filming season 29 difficult to schedule. What’s more, he’s also a co-creator of The Road on CBS, which airs every Sunday night. But given how he’s popped back up on The Voice since his exit, there’s always a chance he’ll make it back to the show sooner rather than later.

In the meantime, we’ll just have to keep our fingers crossed for a Blake cameo on The Voice!