Ariana Grande joins 'The Voice' Season 21 as coach

Ariana Grande is stepping into the giant red chair that Nick Jonas has left vacant. Photo: AP

Ariana Grande is joining Season 21 of The Voice in the fall.

She is "beyond thrilled, honoured, excited" to be joining fellow coaches Kelly Clarkson, John Legend and Blake Shelton on the series, she tweeted recently.

"I'm so honoured and excited to join The Voice family!" said Grande in a separate statement. "I have been a huge fan of the show for such a long time. I can't wait to go head-to-head with the incredible coaches, get to know these new artistes and help to take their craft to the next level."

The pop star is stepping into the giant red chair that Nick Jonas has left vacant, since he is not returning as a judge this season. "We will miss you," Grande told her predecessor. Jonas had first joined The Voice in Season 18, and returned in Season 20 to guide contestants along as a coach.

"As an undeniable force in pop music, Ariana's inimitable success in the music industry is extraordinary," said Jenny Groom, executive vice president of unscripted content for NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. "We were thrilled to learn that she is a true fan of The Voice and know that this enthusiasm will add to her impact as a dynamic coach. Ariana is a visionary with over a decade of experience in the music industry. Her unmatched vocal skills, creativity and unique expertise on all facets of the industry will make her an invaluable coach to the next generation of artistes."

The unscripted competition series hit its 10-year anniversary on the air with its 20th season, taking precautions to make the show Covid-safe, with contestants participating in early auditions not via roadshow but via Zoom and through taped submissions. The production limits the number of people on set, with no studio audience, and contestants' families cheering them on virtually and not backstage. – Reuters