Mark your calendars for May 20, 2025, because the Season 27 finale of The Voice is shaping up to be a television event for the ages. In a move that has fans buzzing with excitement, former coaches Kelly Clarkson and Blake Shelton are set to return to the iconic stage, joining a star-studded lineup that includes Alicia Keys, Chance the Rapper, Joe Jonas, Foreigner, and more. This highly anticipated reunion comes hot on the heels of the live shows, which kicked off on May 12, and promises to deliver a night of unforgettable performances, emotional moments, and the crowning of a new champion on NBC.
Kelly Clarkson and Blake Shelton are no strangers to The Voice. Clarkson, who joined as a coach in Season 14 (2018), quickly became a powerhouse, leading her teams to victory in four seasons (14, 15, 17, and 21). Known for her powerhouse vocals and heartfelt mentorship, she coached until Season 21, briefly returned for Season 23, and then shifted focus to her Daytime Emmy-winning The Kelly Clarkson Show. Blake Shelton, an original coach since the show’s 2011 debut, holds the record for the most wins with nine victories over 23 seasons. His down-to-earth charm, sharp wit, and knack for spotting talent made him a fan favorite until he stepped away in 2023 to focus on family and music. Together, Kelly and Blake formed a dynamic duo on the show, their playful banter and genuine friendship endearing them to millions of viewers. Their return for the Season 27 finale is a full-circle moment, reuniting two of the show’s most beloved figures at a time when The Voice is looking to reclaim its ratings crown.
Kelly will take the stage to perform her latest single, “Where Have You Been”, a soulful pop ballad released under her new label, High Road Records. Inspired by the onscreen romance of Martin Short and Meryl Streep in Only Murders in the Building, the song has already soared to No. 2 on the US iTunes chart and No. 27 globally, with its music video ranking No. 26 on YouTube worldwide. Critics have praised its emotional depth, with lyrics that speak to longing and rediscovery, showcasing Kelly’s signature vocal prowess. Blake, meanwhile, will perform “Texas”, a foot-stomping country anthem from his recent album For Recreational Use Only. The track, which became his 30th No. 1 single on country radio, is a love letter to his Southern roots, featuring twangy guitars and a chorus that begs for a singalong. Their performances are expected to be a highlight of the night, offering a blend of pop and country that reflects the diverse musical legacy of The Voice.
The finale will air live on NBC from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM ET, with the first hour dedicated to a recap of the Top 8 performances from the previous night. At 9:00 PM, the main event begins, featuring a slew of special performances, coach-contestant duets, and the announcement of the Season 27 winner, who will take home a $100,000 prize. The current coaching lineup—John Legend, Adam Levine, Kelsea Ballerini, and Michael Bublé—will each perform a duet with their remaining contestants, adding a personal touch to the high-stakes competition. The Top 5 finalists are a diverse group: Mia Carter (Team John Legend), a 19-year-old R&B prodigy; Caleb Monroe (Team Adam Levine), a 27-year-old pop-rock singer; Lila Hayes (Team Kelsea Ballerini), a 22-year-old country artist; Ezra Thompson (Team Michael Bublé), a 30-year-old jazz vocalist; and Sofia Vega (Team John Legend), a 25-year-old Latin pop sensation. Each will perform one final song, with fan votes determining the champion.
The guest performer lineup is nothing short of spectacular. Alicia Keys, a former coach from Seasons 11, 12, and 14, will team up with Amanda Reid from the Broadway musical Hell’s Kitchen for a mashup of “The River/Empire State of Mind”, complete with choreography inspired by the show—a television first for the song. Chance the Rapper, who coached in Seasons 23 and 25, will perform “Space and Time” from his Star Line project, bringing his introspective lyricism to the stage. Joe Jonas will debut “Heart by Heart” from his upcoming album Music for People Who Believe In Love, a track that’s already generating buzz for its emotional resonance. Legendary rock band Foreigner, fresh off their 2024 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, will deliver a medley of hits including “Feels Like the First Time”, “Juke Box Hero”, and “I Want to Know What Love Is”, promising to get the audience on their feet. James Bay and Sheryl Crow will premiere their duet “You and Me Time”, a heartfelt collaboration, while Season 22 winner Bryce Leatherwood will perform “God Made” from his debut album, showcasing his growth as a country artist.
The live shows, which began on May 12, introduced a twist called the “super save,” allowing each coach to bring back one previously eliminated contestant, resulting in a Top 12 for the live rounds. This twist added an extra layer of drama, with fans rallying behind their favorites on social media. On X, hashtags like #KellyAndBlakeReunion and #TheVoiceFinale have been trending, with fans sharing nostalgic clips of Kelly and Blake’s best moments on the show. One viral post read, “Kelly and Blake back on The Voice? This is the reunion we’ve been waiting for! 🎤🔥 #Nostalgia.” Another fan speculated, “What if Kelly performs a duet with Blake? I’d lose it!” Even the contestants have been swept up in the excitement—Top 5 finalist Mia Carter told press that meeting Kelly and Blake was a “dream come true” and inspired her to give her all in the finale.
Behind the scenes, sources say NBC orchestrated Kelly and Blake’s return to boost ratings, which have dipped in recent seasons amid competition from shows like American Idol and Blake’s upcoming CBS series The Road, set to premiere in fall 2025. Insiders also revealed that Kelly has been in discussions to potentially return as a coach in Season 29, though her commitments to The Kelly Clarkson Show—which recently celebrated its 1,000th episode—pose a challenge. Blake, meanwhile, has been quietly mentoring talent for The Road, but his performance on The Voice is seen as a nod to the platform that catapulted him to global fame.
For Kelly, this appearance comes at a pivotal moment. Despite the success of “Where Have You Been” and her talk show, her Las Vegas residency, set to begin in July, is struggling with ticket sales, with prices starting at $85 but facing low demand amid economic concerns. Still, her return to The Voice reaffirms her status as a music and television powerhouse. Blake, on the other hand, has been enjoying a quieter life on his Oklahoma ranch with Gwen Stefani and her children, focusing on music and family. His new show The Road is generating buzz as a potential rival to The Voice, but for now, he’s happy to revisit his roots on the NBC stage.
Since its debut in 2011, The Voice has been a launchpad for artists like Morgan Wallen, Cassadee Pope, and Danielle Bradbery, its blind audition format and emphasis on mentorship setting it apart in the reality TV landscape. The Season 27 finale is a chance for the show to reassert its cultural dominance, and with Kelly Clarkson and Blake Shelton leading the charge, it’s poised to do just that. Tune in to NBC on May 20 at 8:00 PM ET for a night of music, nostalgia, and the crowning of a new Voice champion—you won’t want to miss it!
