What was meant to be a bold new era for The Voice has reportedly turned into one of its toughest seasons yet. Producers hoped that a shake-up in the format and lineup would breathe new life into the long-running NBC competition — but insiders now say the gamble may have “backfired.”
A Season Built on Change
Season 29 was supposed to mark a fresh chapter for The Voice. For the first time in the show’s history, only three coaches were tapped to fill the iconic red chairs — a striking departure from the traditional four-coach setup that made the show’s “four-chair turns” so thrilling.
The new trio — Kelly Clarkson, Adam Levine, and John Legend — began filming in Universal City, California, with high hopes and major buzz surrounding their reunion. But according to reports, what looked like a promising formula on paper hasn’t played out the way producers envisioned.
The Energy Isn’t the Same
Behind the scenes, sources claim that production is facing unexpected setbacks, from personal challenges to flagging enthusiasm. One source revealed:
“[Execs] were expecting fireworks with season 29 but it’s coming out with a whimper, not a bang. With Kelly dealing with all of her family issues, of course it’s in no way her fault, but that electric energy the show has gotten from her in the past just isn’t there.
Adam’s heart doesn’t seem to be in it. He’s back again and trying his hardest but he doesn’t seem happy doing the show.”
The timing couldn’t have been worse. The tragic passing of Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband reportedly forced a pause in production and left an emotional weight on the star, understandably affecting her spark.
Meanwhile, Adam Levine’s long-awaited return — once expected to be a nostalgic high point — hasn’t delivered the excitement many anticipated. “He’s trying his best,” one insider noted, “but it’s just not working.”
John Legend Carries the Torch
While both Kelly and Adam appear to be struggling to find their usual rhythm, John Legend has been described as the one coach giving his all this season. Yet even his dedication might not be enough to keep the show’s trademark chemistry alive.
As one insider bluntly put it, The Voice doesn’t work when only one of its stars is fully invested. With filming already underway, there’s reportedly little the production team can do to change course — and that has fans worried.
A Risk That May Not Pay Off
Producers set out to “switch things up,” but the experiment seems to have taken the air out of the show’s usual energy.
With three superstars in their chairs and none of the expected magic in the mix, Season 29 might be remembered as the year The Voice lost its rhythm.
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