For years, the Blind Auditions have been the most unpredictable and sometimes frustrating part of “The Voice.” Now, as season 29 approaches, the show is introducing a new rule that could dramatically change how coaches — Kelly Clarkson, Adam Levine, and John Legend — build their teams and how artists choose their mentors. It’s a subtle shift on paper, but one that longtime viewers know could make a big difference once those red chairs start turning on “The Voice” 2026.
Blind Auditions Change on ‘The Voice’
“The Voice: Battle of Champions” is set to premiere on Monday, February 23. The new season, like every other season, will kick off with the Blind Auditions. However, this season’s auditions will come with a new rule that many fans have been wanting for years!
Kelly, Adam, and John sat down to discuss their journeys in the music industry, as well as this upcoming season of the show. During that discussion, the OG “American Idol” winner dropped the big news: “No Blocks this year, though!”
Yes, the Blocks will be gone for “The Voice” season 29. Previously, a coach had one Block to use during the Blind Auditions. This would keep another coach from being able to work with that artist, even if that coach hit their button, and even if that contestant wanted to choose that coach.
Another Season 29 Twist
The topic of Blocks was brought up when the coaches were talking about another new addition to “The Voice” season 29. During the Knockouts, each coach will bring back two artists from past seasons to compete in an In-Season All-Star Competition.
These artists will go head-to-head, with former coach CeeLo Green deciding the winner of each matchup. The coach who has the most wins during this competition will earn a major advantage by being able to send two artists to the finale instead of just one. The artists competing are:
- Javier Colon (Team Adam, Season 1 winner)
- Jordan Smith (Team Adam, Season 9 winner)
- Maelyn Jarmon (Team Legend, Season 16 winner)
- Jake Hoot (Team Kelly, Season 17 winner)
- Girl Named Tom (Team Kelly, Season 21 winner)
- Renzo (Team Legend, Season 27 third-place)
During season 27, Legend blocked Levine from working with Renzo. Did that affect his journey on the show? There’s no way to know, but if it’s a better fit and the artist isn’t allowed to pick that coach, it does seem unfair, especially when the coach did want to work with them.
Blocks Have Worked Out
While the Blocks seem like a bad idea, it has worked out in the past. During season 20, Nick Jonas blocked Legend from getting Cam Anthony.
Had that Block not been in place, would the R&B artist have chosen to go with Blake Shelton over Legend? Probably not. However, Anthony chose Team Blake, and they ended up winning the whole season together.
This seems to be more of the exception, not the rule, but we shall see how season 29 pans out with no Block allowed!
“The Voice” season 29 premieres at 9 p.m. ET on Monday, February 23, on NBC. New episodes will be available to stream the following day on Peacock.
