Season 29 of The Voice is bringing big changes, but the sweetest surprise is happening behind the scenes.
Coaches John Legend, Adam Levine, and Kelly Clarkson are back together for the new season of The Voice, which premieres on February 23, 2026 on NBC. The show was filmed on a large soundstage at Universal Studios Hollywood, and this time, it is the first-ever fully pre-recorded season.
During an interview with USA TODAY, La La Land star John Legend shared how being a parent has changed the way they work on set. He said that becoming moms and dads has made them calmer and more understanding.
“I feel like we’re all cooler,” Legend said during the conversation. He explained that raising children has helped them grow and become better coaches.
John Legend and his wife, Chrissy Teigen, have four children. Their older kids, Luna and Miles, even visited the set while filming. And according to Legend, they love spending time with Levine.
“They like to bother Adam,” John Legend joked. “I’m getting free babysitting from Adam Levine.”
Levine laughed about it and said he does “some nanny work” in his free time. He also shared that his own children enjoy watching The Voice, even though he does not like watching himself on screen.
Now, he watches the show more often because his kids are fans.
Season 29 is special for another reason. It marks the first time since Season 16 in 2019 that Legend, Levine, and Clarkson are coaching together. The new season is being called a “Battle of Champions” by executive producer Audrey Morrissey.
This season also introduces new twists. For the first time in the show’s history, there are only three coaches. There is also a new “triple-turn competition” during the Blind Auditions. The coach who gets the most three-chair turns wins a “super steal” advantage in the Battle Rounds.
John Legend said the competition feels more intense this year. He admitted that he often finds himself fighting with Levine or Clarkson to win strong singers for his team.
Even with the friendly rivalry, Levine explained that they focus on helping their artists grow and succeed.
Fans can expect strong performances, big moments, and plenty of laughs when Season 29 of The Voice premieres.
This season may be competitive, but off camera, it is clear that family and friendship are just as important as winning.