Kelly Clarkson Joins a Reality TV Singing Competition But It’s NOT American Idol
With news buzzing that American Idol is coming back to TV just a month after its emotional goodbye, hopes are high for its OG stars to return as well. TBH, though, it’s not looking good. For starters, it would make Ryan Seacrest‘s already nutso schedule even nuttier to balance both Idol and his new gig as Kelly Ripa’s Live! co-host, and Simon Cowell apparently has “no interest” in joining the revival. Still, fans were still hopeful they’d see a familiar face or two… like maybe its first winner, Kelly Clarkson. Now, the news has dropped that the star is indeed joining a reality TV singing competition… but it WON’T be American Idol.
According to Variety, the 35-year-old Clarkson will be joining the competition over at The Voice as one of its new coaches. Ouch! It seems that following the show’s 13th season this fall, which Jennifer Hudson and Miley Cyrus have both been confirmed for, the reality contestant alum will be joining Blake Shelton and Adam Levine for its season 14 spring installment, hitting your tubes in February.
If you’re keeping up on key TV-related dates, you’ll know that that means Kelly and The Voice will be facing off directly against American Idol, which is set to (re)premiere in March. It also makes it very unlikely that she’ll be joining the new Idol in any significant way.
“I’m so excited to join The Voice at NBC,” Clarkson said of her big move. “We’ve gone back and forth about a role as a coach for years, but the timing hasn’t been right until now. I have always loved appearing on the show as an adviser or performer and established an amazing relationship with the network during my Christmas special.”
She added, “I can’t wait to turn my chair and see the faces of up-and-coming artists and provide them with the help and support they’ve needed to break into the industry. Watch out Shelton, I’m comin’ to win!!”
Sorry, Idol: Looks like this babe’s “Already Gone!”
What do you think about Kelly Clarkson joining The Voice instead of American Idol? Let us know @BritandCo!
(h/t HelloGiggles; photos via Cindy Ord + Ethan Miller/Getty)