Queen Latifah is set to make her inaugural appearance as a coach on the popular talent show “The Voice” this autumn as season 30 kicks off. The announcement came from NBC on Tuesday, May 12, detailing her exciting addition to the coaching panel which will also feature country music artist Riley Green, as well as returning icons Kelly Clarkson and Adam Levine.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Queen2-Latifah-Joins-The-Voice-051226-4640c2fb8c204edb881194d02f86b63e.jpg)
This upcoming season promises to be a significant one for Queen Latifah, not just in her role as a mentor on “The Voice,” but also as she is set to receive the prestigious Early Influence Award at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. The event will take place in Los Angeles on November 14 at the Peacock Theater, marking yet another milestone in the actress and musician’s illustrious career.
The 56-year-old star, best known for hits such as “U.N.I.T.Y.,” is transitioning into a more prominent role in television. In addition to her new position on “The Voice,” Latifah is also confirmed to host the 2026 American Music Awards, which will be broadcast live from Las Vegas on May 25. This season appears to be particularly busy and fulfilling for her, as she embraces various platforms within the entertainment industry.
Renowned for her contributions to hip-hop and R&B, Latifah has expressed her enthusiasm for diverse music genres, revealing her fondness for country music during a 2020 interview with Kelly Clarkson. She mentioned the iconic country song “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” by Charlie Daniels, commenting on its rap-like qualities and appealing fusion of styles. “It was like a country rap record. I was like, ‘Wait a minute. You know, this is dope,'” she stated enthusiastically.
Latifah also praised contemporary country group Florida Georgia Line for their innovative approach to blending various musical influences. She noted that the genre is evolving, appearing to incorporate elements of hip-hop and R&B. Her passion for these musical intersections signifies a fresh perspective that she brings to her coaching role on “The Voice.”
Joining Latifah on the panel is Riley Green, a country artist making his debut as a coach in season 30. Announcing his new role over the weekend via Instagram, the 37-year-old singer expressed his excitement for this opportunity, stating, “I guess y’all can start calling me coach… see ya this fall.” This highlights a season of change and new beginnings for both Green and Latifah as they embark on this journey alongside established coaches who have become synonymous with the show.
Kelly Clarkson is set to return for her 10th season as a coach, while Adam Levine continues his remarkable run, reaching an impressive 18 seasons. Levine shared his joy about returning after a brief hiatus, describing his experience on the show since coming back as “a blast” and demonstrating his commitment to the series. He recently celebrated his contestant Alexia Jayy’s victory in “The Voice: Battle of Champions,” reaffirming his belief in her talent with the glowing remark, “She’s one of the best singers I’ve ever heard sing, ever.”
As fans anticipate the new season, the excitement surrounding “The Voice” continues to build, particularly with the addition of Queen Latifah and Riley Green to the coaching panel. Their dynamic energy, combined with the expertise of seasoned coaches Clarkson and Levine, promises a thrilling experience for contestants and viewers alike when the show returns this autumn.
With various backgrounds and musical influences converging, this season could offer a unique platform for showcasing the evolving landscape of modern music. As Latifah steps into her red chair, audiences and aspiring artists alike are eager to witness the impact she will make on “The Voice.”