The Voice Season 27 ended with a bang as Adam David from Team Michael Bublé took home the crown—but not all fans were celebrating. The real shock came moments after the confetti fell: fan-favorite coach Kelsea Ballerini won’t be returning for Season 28, and viewers are devastated.
Kelsea, who coached powerhouse finalist Jaelen Johnston to a heart-stirring second-place finish, stole hearts this season with her down-to-earth charm, fierce passion for her team, and magnetic chemistry with fellow coach Bublé. But now, fans are left mourning the country star’s departure from the iconic red chair.
“THE WAY I’M GONNA MISS KELSEA AND BUBLÉ’S DYNAMIC SO MUCH,” one fan cried on social media.
“Make Kelsea a coach every year, I don’t want her to leave,” another pleaded.
“Damn I’m gonna miss Kelsea as a coach,” echoed a third.
Despite her warm reception, not everyone was impressed. One harsh critic took aim at the Grammy-nominated star, claiming she “did NOT succeed in her role as a coach” and questioned her musical knowledge—comments many fans were quick to shut down, pointing to her decorated career and obvious growth throughout the season.
Let’s not forget: Kelsea Ballerini isn’t just another pop-country star. She’s a five-time Grammy nominee, ACM award winner, and has claimed the CMT Performance of the Year title. She’s proven her talent time and again—and brought that experience to The Voice in spades.
Still, her first season as a full-time coach ended in an emotional second-place finish for Jaelen, and viewers couldn’t be prouder.
“KELSEA’S FIRST SEASON AS A COACH ON THE VOICE AND SHE GETS SECOND PLACE—I’M SO BEYOND PROUD OF HER!!!” one supporter posted.
As fans prepare for Season 28 this fall, The Voice is gearing up for a big shake-up. NBC has confirmed that Michael Bublé will return, joined by returning favorite Niall Horan, country icon Reba McEntire, and first-time coach Snoop Dogg.
“Yes, you saw that right,” the official Voice account teased in a dramatic announcement on X. “Presenting our Coaches for this fall on #TheVoice…”
The new lineup has sparked excitement online—but for many, the news is bittersweet without Kelsea in the mix.
“Yay @NiallOfficial on The Voice again!!! With @SnoopDogg, @reba, and @MichaelBuble!!” one excited fan wrote.
“The way I was just wishing for a Niall and Bublé duo on the panel… dreams do come true,” another gushed.
As for Kelsea, she’s not slowing down. With her latest album 143, a nationwide “Lifetimes Tour,” and even a trip to space with Blue Origin, she’s proving that her star power stretches far beyond the walls of The Voice.
But for now, fans will hold onto the memories—and hope that this goodbye is only temporary.
