Gwen Stefani’s much-anticipated return to The Voice might just need a bit more patience from her fans. Due to a few scheduling shifts around the U.S. election debates, the 26th season of the singing competition will see some delays in its usual programming groove.
This season, the TV schedule is adjusting to make room for some big political showdowns, including debates between presidential candidates and their running mates. As a result, The Voice will only feature Monday night episodes for the first two weeks, deviating from its regular Monday and Tuesday night slots. The first part of the Blind Auditions is set to air on September 23, with the second part following a week later on September 30.
Election Night throws another wrench into the plans, precluding any Tuesday episode on November 5. This means that fans anxious to see the 54-year-old “No Doubt” star back in action will have a bit of a staggered viewing experience, with the show resuming its normal schedule only after these electoral broadcasting interruptions.
When the blockbuster vocal competition returns this fall, Stefani will join forces with country legend Reba McEntire, along with newcomers Michael Bublé and Snoop Dogg on the judging panel. The Grammy winner is back after skipping Season 25, just as her hubby Blake Shelton waves goodbye, mixing things up a bit for the show. With a crew that includes both new and familiar faces, they’re ready to liven up the stage with their different musical skills and ways of coaching.
Shelton, 48, was the longest-lasting original coach on The Voice before he stepped away at the end of season 23 in May 2023. After tying the knot with Stefani in 2021, the “God’s Country” singer became a stepfather to her three sons: Kingston, 18, Zuma, 16, and Apollo, 10. “If I walked away from my career at this time, the only thing that I run the risk of is having regrets that I’m missing out on some more important things in life,” he explained to People in 2022 when asked why he was leaving the hit show. “For now, that’s our kids. This isn’t about me anymore and never will be again.”
The Voice kicks off its 26th season on September 23 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC, with episodes available for streaming the next day on Peacock.
