Kelly Clarkson is one of the most successful coaches in “The Voice” history, with four wins across nine seasons on the NBC singing competition. Now that season 29 — the special “Battle of Champions” edition — premiered on February 23, Clarkson is officially back in her red chair and reflecting on the victories that helped define her run on the show.
Clarkson previously served as a coach on seasons 14 through 21 and returned again for season 23. During that time, she built one of the strongest records in the competition’s history.
Inside Kelly Clarkson’s 4 Wins on ‘The Voice’
Clarkson joined “The Voice” in season 14 and immediately made an impact. In her first season, she won with 15-year-old Brynn Cartelli, who was also the first contestant Clarkson turned her chair for.
She followed that victory with another in season 15, winning back-to-back titles with Chevel Shepherd. Reflecting on coaching young artists in a Today.com exclusive clip, Clarkson said, “I love working with young artists. I just think it’s fun because they’re still so creative and still, like, ready to try anything.”
Her third win came in season 17 with country singer Jake Hoot. That victory carried extra significance because Hoot chose Clarkson over longtime coach Blake Shelton.
“He saw me when Blake was here. He saw me, and he picked me, and I love him. And then I took him to the winner’s circle. What? That’s right, Shelton!” Clarkson said.
Clarkson’s fourth win came in season 21 with Girl Named Tom, making history as the first trio ever to win “The Voice.”
Looking back at her early days, Clarkson laughed at a moment when Shelton questioned her experience.
“I love seeing Blake say that I have zero experience on the show, and then I totally won,” Clarkson said. “There’s nothing better. The ultimate revenge of someone just thinking you can’t do something, and then you show them with a trophy.”
The ‘Since U Been Gone’ Singer Is Back for ‘Battle of Champions’
Season 29 features a new format titled “Battle of Champions,” with Clarkson joined by fellow winning coaches Adam Levine and John Legend. It marks the first time only previous winners have served on the panel.
“I’m so stoked to come back to ‘The Voice.’ Let’s take a look back at some of my favorite moments,” Clarkson said in the preview clip.
When asked about her strategy this season, Clarkson kept it simple. “Just be me,” she said. She added, “Burn, because I’ve won more [times] than them.”
Clarkson also shared that she felt welcomed during her first season.
“It was just a really good time. It was a fun experience,” she said. “I give Shelton a lot of crap, but he did help make me feel at home right off the bat, with his brotherly-love jabs. Adam as well, because we had toured together.”
Season 29 includes returning contestants and new twists such as the Triple Turn Competition, a Super Steal, an In-Season All-Star Competition, and updated voting rules.
New episodes of season 29 of “The Voice” air Monday nights on NBC.
