The Voice season 28 will start airing on NBC this fall, and fans can expect some big changes on the coaching panel. Kelsea Ballerini, who made her debut as a full-time coach in season 27, won’t be returning this time around and now we finally know why.
Ballerini's exit was announced as NBC revealed The Voice's new coach lineup for its twenty-eighth season. She, along with fellow season 27 coaches John Legend and Adam Levine, will not come back as coaches for the new installment. The only coach from the twenty-seventh season confirmed to return for season 28 is Michael Bublé. He will be joined by Reba McEntire, Niall Horan, and Snoop Dogg. In addition, Carson Daly returns as host.
In a recent appearance on Today With Jenna & Friends, Ballerini got candid about her decision to step away from the singing competition series. She explained how her exit was a conscious choice, made so she could prioritize rest and focus on her personal life. She shared that she needed a "break," and that it was important for her to slow down, take a step back, and "figure out what's next."
She also mentioned how she wants to enjoy her summer by visiting the beach, trying a new food recipe, and spending time with her pets. In other words, she's decided to take time off to recharge and reconnect with herself outside of the demands of her busy career.
“I need a break. And I’ve never been able to say that before, but I really think it’s just time for me to pump the brakes, figure out what’s next, have a summer, what? Go to the beach? Huh? Learn to cook a new meal, hang out with the dogs. So that’s kind of my agenda.” - via TV Insider
However, don't think this amazingly talented singer is completely done with The Voice. Although Ballerini will not be coaching in season 28, she hinted she might come back someday by saying, “Never say never.”
Honestly, it's not surprising that Ballerini wanted to take a break given how packed and emotionally taxing her schedule has been. Between releasing and touring her new album Patterns, filming The Voice season 27, attending awards shows, and caring for her sick dog, she clearly needed time to slow down, recharge, and focus on herself. That way, she can prioritize her well-being and come back stronger, both personally and professionally, when the time is right.
Adam David was crowned the winner of The Voice season 27, earning Bublé his second coaching victory on the show. Ballerini's artist Jaelen Johnston finished the season as the runner-up. The Voice season 28 will see a new batch of contestants entering the competition, each hoping to turn chairs and win over America with their talent. It'll be interesting to see who comes out on top this time and which coach will lead their team to victory.