Art Streiber/NBCSeason 15 of NBC’s The Voice kicks off tonight, with coaches Adam Levine, Blake Shelton and Kelly Clarkson returning from last season, and Jennifer Hudson back after last coaching on season 13. Kelly says now she’s at a disadvantage because, thanks to J-Hud’s presence on the panel, she can’t use the American Idol card to woo contestants to her team.
“One thing I had last season was, I could say, ‘I’m from the reality competition world, I can help you out,’ and now, y’know, Jennifer’s here,” she laughs. “So I can’t use that in my bag. It’s gonna be hard to fight her for people!”
But despite the competition, Kelly’s thrilled to have Jennifer on the lineup, calling her “remarkable,” “a great human being” and “someone you actually want to barbecue with.”
Adam’s also glad to have Jennifer back. “She’s so cool, she’s so, like, amicable and fun and loving and sweet and hilarious and I love making her laugh,” he gushes. “It’s a good foursome this year, for sure.”
Both Kelly and Adam agree that the talent level this season is extremely high.
“It’s way crazier than it’s been in a long time,” says Adam. “It’s always surprising to think, ‘Oh wow! They still can find people that are so good.'”
And Kelly notes, “It’s just more…’artists’ this season. Like, it’s not just great singers, it’s like, artists that really I feel like they know where they wanna go. “
Kelly, whose team member Brynn Cartelli won last season, vows to change at least one thing this time around.
“The one thing I’m trying to do is cry less,” she laughs. “‘Cause I’m very emotional and I’m touched by all things, especially after having children, so I can’t fight it. But I have been doing better!”
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