The Voice Rookie Coach Has Been Branded Season 30’s ‘Simon Cowell’ As Fellow Newcomer Struggles Behind The Scenes, Leaving Fans STUNNED
THE Voice’s two newest coaches are already making wildly different impressions behind the scenes as the singing competition gears up to debut Season 30, The U.S. Sun can reveal.
The lineup of superstar coaches for The Voice’s upcoming season includes longtime show veterans Kelly Clarkson and Adam Levine.
Riley Green is making his The Voice coaching debut on Season 30Credit: Getty
Hollywood icon Queen Latifah, here at the American Music Awards on May 25, 2026 in Las Vegas, has joined Season 30 of The VoiceCredit: Getty
Joining the returning stars for Season 30 is Hollywood icon, Queen Latifah, and country music hitmaker, Riley Green.
While the season doesn’t premiere until September, the blind auditions and battle rounds are already underway – and a production insider has spilled how the fresh talent is doing.
Queen Latifah has become a leading voice on the set, with an insider saying she’s become the show’s “Simon Cowell” while fellow first-timer Riley Green is still settling into the famous red chairs.
Queen Latifah has emerged as one of the breakout stars of the new panel thanks to her “commanding presence and brutally honest critiques,” a source told The U.S. Sun while adding that country crooner Riley has taken “a quieter approach” as he adjusts to his first major television coaching role.
The source stated that Queen Latifah quickly established herself as one of the strongest personalities on set.
“Queen Latifah was the biggest surprise. I mean, she’s Hollywood royalty, literally, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise but she has commanded this set like she’s been doing it since day one.
“She is such a maternal figure to these contestants in a way the show hasn’t seen before. She’s a completely fresh vibe that the show hasn’t seen before.
“She can give feedback that might intimidate some people but it’s said with love. She wants to help and cares a lot about the coaching aspect of the role,” the insider explained.
The rapper, actress, producer, and media mogul is the newest coach on The VoiceCredit: Instagram/nbcthevoice
Simon Cowell is known for his brutally honest feedback to singing hopefulsCredit: ITV
The insider said Queen Latifah’s willingness to deliver blunt critiques even drew audible reactions from the audience during tapings.
“While beloved, Queen Latifah was the strictest of the bunch but was the crowd favorite for sure,” the source revealed.
“I’d say her and Adam were the strictest with their feedback.
“Queen Latifah was basically like the Simon Cowell of the group, giving harsher critique that garnered some gasps from the audience, but overall the crowd loved her.”
The comment is a nod to American Idol alum and current AGT judge, Simon’s, infamously stern, but honest, feedback to contestants.
Despite the tougher criticism, the insider said fans appreciated that her comments always came from a place of genuinely wanting contestants to improve.
The Grammy-winning rapper, actress and producer has spent decades building one of entertainment’s most successful careers, starring in films including Chicago, Hairspray, Girls Trip and The Equalizer, while also earning an Emmy, Golden Globe and multiple Grammy Awards.
Riley, meanwhile, is taking a very different path.
Kelly Clarkson pictured filming Season 29 of The VoiceCredit: Getty
Kelly and Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine are returning once again for Season 30 of The VoiceCredit: Getty
The Alabama-born country star, known for chart-topping hits including There Was This Girl, I Wish Grandpas Never Died and Different ‘Round Here, is stepping into his first major Hollywood television role after building a massive music following.
According to the source, he’s still growing into the position.
“Riley on the other hand is having a harder time adjusting,” the insider explained.
“It’s his first big Hollywood type of gig so it’s not that he’s bad at it but you can tell he’s more shy and hesitant.
Riley Green, pictured here performing on GMA, has become one of country music’s most popular hitmakersCredit: Getty
Queen Latifah attends the 79th Annual Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall on June 07, 2026 in New York CityCredit: Getty
“He’s slowly finding his footing though.”
The source added that producers remain optimistic about Riley’s future on the show despite some early nerves.
“He is coming back next season so ready or not, here he comes.
“I do think production is nervous about how he’ll be perceived, if America will enjoy him as much as the other coaches who are bigger household names.”
During filming, the insider described Riley as “quiet and more timid,” a sharp contrast to Kelly Clarkson, who remained “her usual talkative, bubbly self,” while Adam Levine matched Queen Latifah with some of the panel’s toughest critiques.
Season 30 reunites longtime coach Adam with Kelly after both have become staples of the NBC competition over the years.
With two veteran coaches, one Hollywood icon bringing a tougher edge and a country newcomer bringing in a fresh vibe, producers appear to be betting on one of the show’s most exciting coaching panels yet.
The Voice Season 30 is scheduled to premiere in September on NBC.
