Jennifer Hudson will take a break while John Legend, who this past weekend earned coveted EGOT status after winning an Emmy Award as a producer for Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert, will serve as a coach on the upcoming spring cycle (season 16) of NBC’s four-time Emmy-winning musical competition series The Voice. Legend will be joined by returning music superstar coaches Kelly Clarkson, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton, and host Carson Daly.
Kelly Clarkson returns to the panel for a 3rd season in a row, which arguably makes her a “regular” alongside Levine and Shelton (there was a reason she and her husband Brandon Blackstock BOUGHT a house in Los Angeles!). Additionally, for the first time since season 10 in Spring 2016, the panel will be comprised of 3 men and one women–the default configuration that began with season one.
ETA: Also, Kelly and John worked together as coaches on the ABC competition Duets in 2012. AND they joined forces on a duet in the real world–“Run Run Run” appeared on Kelly’s 2015 album Piece By Piece.
“John Legend is a one-of-a-kind musician and producer with remarkable skills that are beyond measure,” said Paul Telegdy, President, Alternative and Reality Group, NBC Entertainment. “His multi-dimensional career and incredible talents provide a repertoire that will excite and inspire our artists. This coaching panel is sure to ignite season 16.”
“I’m thrilled to join the coaches of The Voice. I’ve been a guest and mentor on the show multiple times and I’m so excited to discover talented singers and help them make the most of their gift. I hope the world is ready for #TeamJL,” Legend said.
A highly accomplished musician, songwriter, actor, film producer and philanthropist, Legend is one of the most versatile and talented artists in entertainment today.
With his Emmy win this past Sunday as producer of Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert, which took home the award for Outstanding Variety Special (Live), Legend joins an exclusive EGOT club that had only 12 members before Sunday (fellow Jesus Christ Superstar producers Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice also joined the list). He is also nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for his role in Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert, with the winner announced at this Monday’s Primetime Emmy Awards.
Legend won an Oscar in 2015 for his original song “Glory” (co-written by Common) from the movie Selma; won a Tony Award in 2017 as producer of August Wilson’s Jitney, which won for Best Revival of a Play; and has won 10 Grammy Awards. Legend has released five studio albums and began his impressive Grammy run in 2006 when he won Best New Artist for his debut release Get Lifted, which captured Best R&B Album. Get Lifted, along with each of his next three albums – Once Again, Evolver and Love in the Future – reached the Top 5 in album sales on the Billboard charts and achieved gold status.
As a film producer, Legend worked on the 2016 film sensation La La Land, in which he also appeared. In addition, Legend has acted in several TV and film productions, including Underground, Curb Your Enthusiasm and Soul Men.
Season 15 of The Voice begins Monday, Sept. 24 at 8 p.m. ET/PT with coaches Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton.
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