Stars Align for 'The Voice': Adam Levine Returns, Gwen Stefani's Grand Comeback

Adam Levine is making an electrifying return to 'The Voice' for season 27, alongside newcomer Kelsea Ballerini and returning coaches Michael Bublé and John Legend. As the music industry seeks innovative ways to connect with audiences, top stars like Levine, Gwen Stefani, and even Jelly Roll are flocking to competition shows like 'The Voice' and 'American Idol' for their unique benefits.

Country music star Blake Shelton and 'The Voice' season 22 winner Bryce Leatherwood recently spoke with Fox News Digital about their experiences on the show, revealing the unique opportunities and challenges that come with such a high-profile platform.

Now, the excitement surrounding 'The Voice' has reached new heights with the announcement of Adam Levine's triumphant return for season 27 in 2025. The Maroon 5 frontman will join forces with newcomer Kelsea Ballerini, as well as Michael Bublé and John Legend, as they navigate the ever-changing landscape of the music industry.

In a video shared on his Instagram, Levine expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming season, saying, "Season 27, yes I'm coming back, I'm so excited. I cannot wait. I'm well rested. I'm ready to go. I'm a little nervous, I'm not nervous, but I'm so excited. It's going to be great, and I can't wait. It's going to be awesome, let's go! Team Adam is back. I feel bad for other teams. Let's go. Season 27's going to be different. Yeah I'm back! I'm really excited everybody. Voice fam, here we come, let's go!"

Doug Eldridge of Achilles PR points to the "Ozempic of exposure" as the driving force behind the influx of big stars signing on to competition shows like 'The Voice' or 'American Idol.' "You get the benefits of constant touring and appearances needed to sustain your popularity and musical career, without actually having to do the hard work traditionally required to attain those goals."

Levine was one of the original 'Voice' coaches, appearing on the show for 16 seasons before leaving in 2019. At the time, he explained his decision, saying, "For eight-and-a-half years, I was so busy – [I] had the band, [I] had The Voice. I was beyond fortunate to go through all of it because it was a life-altering experience being on that show... and then it got to the point where I got married, I had two kids, and I wanted to spend time with them."

Levine is not the only big name returning to music competition shows. Gwen Stefani is set to return to 'The Voice' for season 26 this fall, while Reba McEntire has signed on for her third season and Michael Bublé and Snoop Dogg will make their coaching debuts. Stefani joined the show in season 17, where she met her now-husband Blake Shelton.

The music industry is facing a grueling landscape as stars navigate the transition from traditional album sales to the streaming download model. Competition shows can provide a platform for established artists to stay in the national eye while minimizing the grind of touring and producing new music.

Katy Perry was a judge on 'American Idol' for seven seasons before announcing her departure earlier this year. While hinting at plans for a new album, Perry said on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" in February, "I mean, I love ‘Idol’ so much.… It’s connected me with the heart of America, but I feel like I need to go out and feel that pulse to my own beat."

Sunny Bonnell of Motto® and co-author of "Rare Breed, A Guide to Success for the Defiant, Dangerous, and Different," explained the strategic value of these shows for stars. "Shows like 'The Voice' and 'American Idol' offer stars an opportunity not just to perform, but to increase resonance with broader audiences. They transform from voices to mentors, embedding their brand within new generations."

As Perry's 'American Idol' seat remained unoccupied, names like Jennifer Lopez and Taylor Swift were floated as potential replacements. However, Perry endorsed Jelly Roll, a rising star in the country music scene. Jelly Roll expressed his enthusiasm for the possibility, saying, "I'd clean the ‘American Idol’ toilets if they wanted me to – I'm in."

Eldridge emphasizes the demographic overlap between popular music genres and the viewers of competition shows, highlighting the strategic alignment for artists seeking exposure and brand building.

Jelly Roll's success on the country music charts and his potential role on 'American Idol' demonstrate how competition shows can benefit artists at various stages of their careers. "These artists are networking live, forging alliances that extend beyond the stage – be it for future collaborations, ventures or broadening their own artistic horizons. It’s career cultivation in real-time," said Bonnell.

Hosting competition shows can also provide artists with a platform to showcase their personal side and connect with audiences on a deeper level. "At the height of fame, the spotlight isn’t just for shining but for sharing. For seasoned stars, these shows become a vessel: they offer a platform to amplify their wisdom and experience to up-and-coming talents, while every mentorship moment puts their brand in a light of genuine leadership and influence. It’s a masterful play where guiding new talent builds a connection to that core audience," said Bonnell.

The ongoing evolution of the music industry has created a unique opportunity for established stars to leverage competition shows like 'The Voice' and 'American Idol' to maintain their relevance, connect with new audiences, and build their brands. Adam Levine's return and Gwen Stefani's continuing presence on 'The Voice' are just two examples of how these shows are becoming an integral part of the entertainment landscape.