During a November 6, 2023 episode of Las Culturistas podcast, pop star Ariana Grande confirmed she will not return to NBC's The Voice due to her intense emotional bonds with contestants. She served as a coach on Season 21 in 2021, replacing Nick Jonas alongside Blake Shelton, Kelly Clarkson, and John Legend.
Throughout her The Voice Season, Grande mentored contestants, including Bella DeNapoli, David Vogel, Raquel Trinidad, Hailey Mia, Ryleigh Plank, KCK3, Vaughn Mugol, Sophia Bromberg, Chavon Rodgers, Katherine Ann Mohler, and Jim & Sasha Allen.
Ariana broke multiple show guidelines by maintaining direct contact with contestants through social media and text messages. She invited team members to personal events like Thanksgiving dinner and provided ongoing career guidance beyond filming. She now stays updated on her former contestants' lives through social media, following major milestones like Bella's new baby and Sasha Allen's solo music career.
Ariana Grande rules out return to The Voice, citing emotional bonds with contestants
Grande's time as a The Voice coach in 2021 brought unique challenges as she worked alongside experienced judges. In an interview with E! News, she addressed the learning curve of joining the show.
"You watch it on TV and you think you know 'OK I'm going get in there and it's going to be easy whatever.' But it's so hard. They are so seasoned and so great at it," Grande said.
In a podcast with the Culturistas, the former The Voice judge also stated,
"I got so emotionally attached to everyone. That's my problem. I can't really do that because I really get in there with everyone".
Contestant relationships
Grande demonstrated her dedication to The Voice team members through meaningful actions. She welcomed team members Holly Forbes, Jim Allen, and Sasha Allen to her family's Thanksgiving dinner in 2021, creating personal connections outside the show environment.
Another The Voice contestant, Ryleigh Plank, credited Grande for teaching her valuable lessons about self-acceptance and musical growth. Grande has maintained these connections following her former contestants' life events, including Bella's new baby and Sasha Allen's emerging solo music career.
Behind-the-scenes details
Grande's approach to coaching extended beyond the standard mentorship role. In 2021, she shared her struggles adapting to the show's environment.
"You watch it on TV and you think you know what to expect, but when you get in there, the pressure feels very different,"
Grande explained during her initial season. The physical aspect of the show also brought enjoyment, as Grande noted about the signature chair element, saying
"It was a perk. It was a good perk. It is really fun."
Her time on the show featured extensive involvement in contestant development, from song selection to performance coaching. She consistently provided direct feedback to contestants, maintaining open lines of communication despite production guidelines advising against such frequent contact.
Current status
Apart from currently being involved in the movie Wicked, Grande's attention to former contestants remains evident as she follows their achievements, including Bella DeNapoli's recent life changes and Sasha Allen's musical ventures.
"I love them and I'm in touch with them on Instagram. I like their posts, I see their things, I see what they're up to," Grande shared on Las Culturistas.
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The experience left a lasting impact on her approach to mentorship and relationships in the entertainment industry. Her decision against returning stems directly from the emotional investment required for the role, as she found herself deeply involved in each contestant's journey beyond The Voice's requirements.
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