Here's the Real Reason Why Kelly Clarkson Isn't on 'The Voice' This Season

After eight seasons as a coach, the Grammy winner is stepping back from the NBC show, and for good reason.

Tonight, viewers will tune into The Voice, which will be missing one of its recent mainstays. Kelly Clarkson, after appearing for eight straight seasons as a judge, has previously announced she will be taking this round off. And after much speculation as to why, we've finally got the reason.

Here's everything you need to know about why Kelly Clarkson isn't on The Voice for season 22, as well as who her replacement will be.

Related: Everything to Know About The Voice Season 22 (Including the Battle Advisors and Mega Mentor)

When did Kelly Clarkson announce she would not be on The Voice?

It was announced that Kelly would not be returning to The Voice back in May 2022. The news came five months after she was crowned the latest winning coach with Girl Named Tom back in December 2021.

Why isn't Kelly Clarkson on The Voice this season?

Kelly finally came forward with her exact reason for leaving The Voice during an interview on The Today Show on Aug. 23. During the talk, she was asked about why she had chosen not to return to the singing program for the latest season. And her reasoning was simple, wanting to decompress after some large recent changes.

"I hadn’t had a minute, and it’s obviously been a rough couple of years," she said. "So it was really important to me to shut down for a minute." Kelly's recent offscreen life has indeed been mired in drama, particularly regarding her divorce from Brandon Blackstock. Kelly filed for divorce in June 2020 after almost seven years of marriage, which was finalized in August 2021.

She went on to say she was looking to spend more time with her children, both of whom she had with Blackstock. And she was able to do just that while not filming this summer, saying, "The kids were with me and their dad. It was nice because they usually have to travel a lot because of our separation, we were both in Montana, so I think my kids felt a little more centered as well."

Who is replacing Kelly Clarkson on The Voice this season?

While fans of the longtime singing show will certainly miss Kelly, there will be some great substitutes to serve in her stead. John Legend, who has the second-greatest tenure on the current panel besides Blake Shelton, will take Kelly's spot in the furthest chair. Season 22 will also see the return of "No Doubt" singer and Blake's wife Gwen Stefani. Additionally, the panel will feature a new judge in pop star Camila Cabello.

Next, check out the most successful Voice competitors of all time.