The Voice 29: Jennifer Hudson steps in for Kelly Clarkson as she spends time with kids after the death of ex-husband Brandon Blackstock
After the tragic death of Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, the father of her children River and Remy, the American Idol OG winner took time off from taping The Voice season 29. And it was another Idol alum, Jennifer Hudson, who stepped into her place.
According to sources, Kelly stepped away briefly. This week, The Voice season 29, is taping Battle Round episodes. The series, a spinoff called “Battle of Champions” also features Adam Levine and John Legend and will air on NBC and stream on Peacock Spring 2026.
Kelly only missed one The Voice shoot, a rehearsal for the Battle Rounds. It looks like Kelly will be present for all the performances in front of the studio audience. Jennifer, also a daytime talk show host like Kelly, is a former The Voice coach. She finished 7th on American Idol Season 3 back in 2004.
Reba McEntire will not skip any filming after stepson Brandon Blackstock’s death
NBC is filming two cycles of The Voice simultaneously, including season 28 premiering in September. Michael Bublé, Reba McEntire, Niall Horan and Snoop Dogg will serve as coaches. Notably, Blackstock was Reba’s stepson, and some speculated that she would also skip The Voice tapings. But according to sources, the country singer has been filming uninterrupted.
Kelly is set to return to The Kelly Clarkson Show season 7. The NBC universal daytime syndicated talk show is scheduled to start production in New York City in early September. Additionally, four pre-taped episodes of her summer special, Songs & Stories with Kelly Clarkson, will begin airing on NBC Tuesday, August 19 at 10 pm after America’s Got Talent. The interview series features conversations with Gloria Estefan, Jonas Brothers, Lizzo and Teddy Swims.
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