Kelly Clarkson is returning to The Voice (Image: Tyler Golden/NBC via Getty Image)

Kelly Clarkson is returning to The Voice for Season 29 of the singing competition series.

The singer-turned-talk show host first joined the popular show as a coach in 2018 and went on to win four times. She will appear with Adam Levine and John Legend for the special season, which is currently in production at the Universal Studios set and set to air in Spring 2026.

The Voice staffers were given strict orders not to discuss the American Idol star’s late ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, who passed away after a three-year battle with melanoma on August 7, even to offer their condolences.

The fan-favorite coach returned to set just a few weeks after the father of her children passed away, which caused some production delays.

A source spoke to the US Sun about what it’s been like behind the scenes since Kelly began filming, including being given a directive not to mention Brandon’s death to her while she is on set.

Season 29 will air in 2026 (Image: -)

According to the on-set insider, Barndon’s death “delayed some crucial parts of the season, like certain tapings and shooting promo,” but the show was able “to make up for lost time” despite the setback.

Apparently, when the 43-year-old returned to the production, the staff “was all told not to bring it up.” The behind-the-scenes crew was instructed “not to bring up Brandon, even if just to say we were sorry.”

The source explained, “I mean, look, I get it, she was there to work and doesn’t need to be reminded of this tragedy every 5 seconds. It’d be too emotional.” They added, “And everyone on the set loves Kelly, no one wants to upset her so they were happy to oblige.”

While the singer was “flooded” with support from the crew, they remained “strictly professional” while working.

Kelly’s ex-husband passed away in August (Image: Invision)

While Season 28 is currently airing, production on Season 29 began in August, with blind auditions and battle rounds, all while Kelly publicly navigated the insurmountable loss of her ex-husband and the father of her two young children.

An insider who was at a taping in late September noted that Kelly seemed “very solemn” and was “way less chatty” than she had been in the past. “She was professional and did all her bits and hit her marks, but she didn’t seem as happy, outgoing, or excited as she was previously on The Voice.”

The source recalled, “At one point during her contestant’s performance of an emotional ballad during the Battle Rounds, Kelly wiped away some tears. I think she looked around to do it when the cameras weren’t on her and the lights were dim.”

“She seemed to try to hold it together, but when the cameras weren’t on her, she let out some tears.”

The Voice: Battle of Champions is set to air in 2026.