The Voice makes two unprecedented changes to celebrity season as Keke Palmer replaces Carson Daly
THE VOICE is singing a very different tune from years past as Season 31 is set to introduce two major key changes from its typical format, The U.S. Sun has learned.
Not only is the NBC hit changing up its host for the first time after 15 years, but producers are also tearing up one of the show’s biggest traditions.
Carson Daly, pictured here hosting Season 28 of The Voice, will not return for Season 31Credit: Getty
Keke Palmer, seen here on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, will take over Carson’s role on The VoiceCredit: Getty
The U.S. Sun can exclusively reveal the special season will be entirely pre-taped with an entirely new voting system – meaning that no live shows will air.
This also means America’s vote is officially being silenced as at-home viewers will not be able to have a say in who wins.
Instead of millions of viewers casting ballots from home, the champion will be chosen exclusively by the select few lucky fans who scored tickets to the show’s in-studio audience in Los Angeles.
There, they will use a brand-new voting system created specifically for the celebrity edition, an insider has spilled.
The only other time they have completely pre-taped the show in its 30-season run was for Season 29 in early 2025 – however, a different voting system was used then, the source claimed.
The production source said it’s “likely” The Voice will continue with its pre-taped format and not return to live shows.
Without the logistical demands of weekly live broadcasts, producers can film the entire season months in advance, allowing the celebrity contestants to work around their often hectic schedules.
It also gives editors more freedom to craft a tightly paced season without the unpredictability or errors that comes with live television.
While fans have long been accustomed to deciding who walks away victorious, this time they’ll simply be along for the ride.
Filming for Season 31 is expected to wrap in late 2026, with the special celebrity season scheduled to premiere in early Spring 2027.
The sweeping changes come as NBC reinvents the long-running singing competition for Season 31, which is trading everyday hopefuls for famous faces while also welcoming a brand-new host.
As previously revealed by The U.S. Sun, actress, singer and TV personality Keke Palmer will replace longtime host Carson Daly after his quiet departure following 15 years and 30 seasons at the helm.
The beloved TV personality has hosted The Voice for a whopping 30 seasonsCredit: Getty
Carson has been beloved by The Voice fans and contestants alike over 30 seasonsCredit: Getty
The shake-up marks one of the biggest creative gambles in the franchise’s history, with virtually every element of the series receiving a celebrity-sized makeover.
The dramatic changes reflect NBC’s efforts to reinvent one of the network’s longest-running reality franchises.
After fronting The Voice since its 2011 debut, beloved host Carson will quietly exit the series following the upcoming Season 30.
Stepping into his shoes is triple threat Keke, 33, whose resume spans acting, music, daytime television, comedy and live event hosting.
Keke Palmer, seen here hosting NBC’s Password, will be the new host of The VoiceCredit: Getty
Keke Palmer is seen in Midtown on July 27, 2026 in New York CityCredit: Getty
Her energetic personality is expected to bring a fresh dynamic to the competition as she guides viewers through the franchise’s biggest reboot yet.
Adding to the overhaul is an all-celebrity contestant lineup, replacing the aspiring singers who have defined the competition for three decades.
While NBC has yet to officially unveil the full cast, The U.S. Sun previously revealed producers have been assembling a roster packed with recognizable names from television, music and reality TV, including Love Island USA host and Vanderpump Rules alum, Ariana Madix.
The Voice Season 30 premieres on Monday, September 21st and Season 31, which is filmed congruently with 30, will drop in early 2027.
