Several stars tied to “The Voice” popped up across the nominee list at the Grammy Awards, reminding fans that the NBC competition series is not just producing breakout contestants. It is stacked with bona fide industry heavyweights who still dominate the charts themselves.
From Ariana Grande’s win to nominations for Reba McEntire, Miley Cyrus and Kelsea Ballerini, several coaches showed up big at the 2026 Grammys.
Ariana Grande Scores a Grammy Win With Her ‘Defying Gravity’ Duet
Ariana Grande did not just attend the ceremony. The former coach took home Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for “Defying Gravity,” according to People.
The theatrical, powerhouse collaboration with Cynthia Erivo took home the top prize. Tied to the Wicked soundtrack, the belt-heavy track quickly became one of the most talked-about pop moments of the year, and Grammy voters clearly agreed.
Grande served as a coach for season 21, where her quick wit and vocal expertise made her an instant fan favorite. Years later, she remains one of the franchise’s most successful crossovers, balancing primetime TV charm with arena-level star power. Her win was a reminder that the red chairs are filled with artists who are still very much in their prime.
John Legend Expands His Grammy Resume With a Genre-Crossing Nomination
John Legend continues to prove he can thrive in any musical lane. This year, the longtime coach appeared as a featured artist on a nominated rap track “The Birds Don’t Sing,” alongside Clipse, Voices of Fire, Pusha T & Malice.
Legend has become one of the most consistent mentors on the panel, often guiding contestants through emotional ballads and technically challenging performances. According to Deadline, John Legend got his coaching chair in season 16 of “The Voice.” He stayed until taking a break in season 23, then came back for 24, giving him 9 total seasons. Season 29 will be his tenth.
His Grammy recognition shows that he is still actively creating music that resonates across styles and audiences.
Reba McEntire Brings Country Royalty Energy With a Duo Nomination
Country legend Reba McEntire proved that longevity still wins. She landed a nomination for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “Trailblazer,” her collaboration with Miranda Lambert and Lainey Wilson. The song pairs classic storytelling with modern country production, making it a natural fit for both longtime fans and new listeners.
During the Feb. 1 ceremony, Reba McEntire also performed her nominated song while leading the emotional In Memoriam segment, honoring music figures lost over the past year, including her late stepson Brandon Blackstock.
Since joining “The Voice” as a coach on season 28, McEntire has brought veteran wisdom and Nashville credibility to the panel. Contestants often cite her experience and honesty as invaluable. Even after decades in the business, she remains firmly part of the awards conversation, which says everything.
Kelsea Ballerini and Miley Cyrus Add Pop and Country Nods to the Mix
Two more familiar faces rounded out “The Voice”‘s presence. Kelsea Ballerini earned a nomination for Best Contemporary Country Album for Patterns, making it her sixth, despite having zero wins. She served as a coach on season 27 of the hit show and returned as an advisor in season 28 as part of Michael Bublé’s team. As one of the newer coaches, she represents the next generation of Nashville stars as she mentors rising talent.
Meanwhile, former coach Miley Cyrus scored a Best Pop Vocal Album nomination for Something Beautiful and later “served rockstar princess” on the Grammys red carpet, according to InStyle. Known for constantly reinventing her sound, Cyrus continues to evolve long after her time spinning chairs. Cyrus was part of the show in seasons 11 and 13, and at the time was the youngest coach ever on the show.
Together, their nominations show the range of artists who have passed through the competition show’s esteemed coaching group, from country polish to pop experimentation.
Season 29 of The Voice: Battle of Champions is set to premiere Feb. 23 on NBC, introducing a higher-stakes format and welcoming back fan favorites to the coaches’ chairs.
