The Voice producers’ big plans for next season have ‘backfired’ after series of setbacks with two coaches

THE VOICE producers’ big plans for next season have ‘backfired’ after a series of setbacks with two of the coaches, an insider has claimed to The U.S. Sun.

The upcoming season is going to look much different than fans are used to seeing and while the show went for large swings, it’s led to some disappointing misses.

“[Execs] were expecting fireworks with season 29 but it’s coming out with a whimper, not a bang,” an insider exclusively told The U.S. Sun.

The tone of the season shifted after Kelly Clarkson suffered a devastating family tragedy with the unexpected loss of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock.

Brandon’s death delayed certain tapings and added a darker cloud to the set when Kelly, 43, returned to film.

“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.

“She’s got a lot going on, no one is blaming her. It’s just a noticeable shift,” the source explained.

The first American Idol winner will be a coach on season 29 alongside returning The Voice stars, Adam Levine and John Legend.

It marks the first time in the show’s 15-year-run that they are sticking with three coaches instead of the typical four.

The source went on to explain that another thorn in production so far has been it appearing as if “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.

“And then there’s John, bless him. You can tell he loves his job and loves helping the contestants and is happy to be there so he’s giving it his all.

“But with only 3 coaches this season, it’s hard when only 1 has their heart in it.

“The show was looking to do something bold and different with the all-winners season and only 3 coaches but so far, that’s backfired.

“The season has lost a lot of the energy that makes the show work,” they added.

Season 28 of The Voice, starring Reba McEntire, Michael Buble, Niall Horan, and Snoop Dogg, is currently airing on NBC.

While season 29 is also silmulteanosuly currently in production, it will not air on the network until Spring of 2026.

TOUGH TIME

Last week, The U.S. Sun revealed how Brandon’s death impacted production of the upcoming season.

“[Brandon’s] passing delayed some crucial parts of the season, like certain tapings and shooting promo but they were able to make up for loss time so ultimately, it ended up getting evened out.

“When [Kelly] came back, [the production team] was all told not to bring it up. Not to bring up Brandon, even if just to say we were sorry.

“I mean look, I get it, she was there to work and doesn’t need to be reminded of this tragedy every 5 seconds. It’d be too emotional.

“And everyone on the set loves Kelly, no one wants to upset her so they were happy to oblige,” the insider explained.

They added that, overall, Kelly was “flooded” with love and support from crew members, but once on set, everyone kept it “strictly professional” to avoid adding to the emotional toll.

Filming the blind auditions and battle rounds for season 29 took place in August and September, when Kelly was mourning the loss of Brandon.

Despite his passing being so fresh, Kelly made her way to the Universal Studios set in Hollywood, where The Voice films, to continue her role as a coach.

According to an insider who was present at the taping in late September, Kelly was “very solemn” and “way less chatty” than filming the show in the past.

“She was professional and did all her bits and hit her marks, but she didn’t seem as happy, outgoing, or excited as she was previously on The Voice.

“At one point during her contestant’s performance of an emotional ballad during the Battle Rounds, Kelly wiped away some tears,” a source claimed.