Kelly Clarkson Recruited Ariana DeBose for The Voice
Oscar winner Ariana DeBose has joined the coaching team as an advisor for the upcoming season of The Voice.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in R&B
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Kelly Clarkson has selected Academy Award winner Ariana DeBose to serve as a Battle Rounds advisor for the NBC hit show. The announcement highlighted DeBose's eclectic professional background as a deciding factor for her recruitment.
Why it matters
Clarkson sought an advisor with a proven ability to perform across multiple entertainment fields and genres. This selection emphasizes the importance of versatility for contestants navigating the competitive format of the show.
Ariana DeBose gained industry recognition after her Broadway debut in 2011 and a high-profile appearance in the musical Hamilton. She further solidified her career with an Oscar win for Best Supporting Actress in 2022 and a role in the series Scarpetta.
The players
Kelly Clarkson
She is a veteran musical artist and television personality who currently serves as a coach on the singing competition program.
Ariana DeBose
She is an acclaimed actress and performer known for her work on Broadway and in film, including her Oscar-winning role in 2022.
The details
Clarkson prioritized finding an advisor who demonstrates significant comfort in her own skin while possessing the adaptability to mentor talent across various music styles. The collaboration aims to leverage the unique performance experience DeBose brings from both screen and stage.
Timeline
Ariana DeBose made her debut on Broadway in 2011.
Ariana DeBose won an Oscar in 2022.
Kelly Clarkson officially announced the advisor on October 5, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The move reflects a long-term trend in reality television where producers recruit stars from outside the music industry to provide contestants with acting and performance coaching. This strategy helps differentiate the program in a crowded market by elevating the performance standards beyond vocal ability alone.
Viewers can catch DeBose providing mentorship during the upcoming Battle Rounds airing on NBC. This addition provides fans of the actress with a new avenue to see her expertise applied to developing vocalists.
The takeaway
The selection of a stage and film veteran highlights how modern singing competitions are evolving into holistic performance showcases. Contestants benefit from this interdisciplinary approach, which requires them to master both vocal technique and stage presence simultaneously.
Further reading
For more on the latest developments in music performance, explore our R&B section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Good Housekeeping.
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