Fans of The Voice let out a collective chorus of “Hmm” when the NBC sing-off revealed the changes being implemented for Season 29’s Battle of Champions (which premieres in spring 2026). In particular, eyebrows were raised over the Knockouts round twist in which coaches Adam Levine, John Legend and Kelly Clarkson bring back two former contestants apiece to duke it out in what the show has dubbed an In-Season All-Star Competition to be judged by former coach CeeLo Green.
On one hand, it seems unfair to the new contestants who will have made it to the Knockouts. They ran a gauntlet to get that far, only to then have to contend with past favorites. On the other hand, it’s an intriguing proposition. Who among us doesn’t have singers from past seasons that we’d love to see come back and win the whole shebang? I might not tune in for one coach over another, but you bet I’d make The Voice appointment TV to hear Team Legend’s Katie Kadan again!
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Below, you’ll find the singers from Legend, Levine and Clarkson’s old rosters that I’d most like to see get a second chance. Check ’em out, then hit the comments with the past contestants that you most want to come back and try, try again.
Amanda Brown (Team Adam Levine)
The Season 3 standout’s Playoffs cover of Aerosmith unequivocally told all future contestants that if they thought they could do better, ahem, dream on. (Listen to her rendition above.)
D.Smooth (Team Kelly Clarkson)
The quality of his voice was right there in this charismatic Season 23 contestant’s name. Maybe the second time will be the charm for him? (Listen to D.Smooth’s “Perfect” take on Ed Sheeran above.)
Sarah Grace (Team Kelly Clarkson)
Just a kid during Season 15, when she was axed in the Semifinals, Grace had the chops even then to go all the way; she just… well, didn’t. (Marvel at her “Amazing Grace”/”House of the Rising Sun” mash-up above.)
Katie Kadan (Team John Legend)
Though the Season 17 belter had a memorable look, enviable wit and an unforgettably resonant voice, she only scored a third-place finish. (Buckle up for her cover of Janis Joplin’s “Piece of My Heart” above.)
Jershika Maple (Team John Legend)
The term “powerhouse” was all but coined to describe the Season 21 contestant whose soulful vocals should’ve landed her higher than fifth place. (Lend an ear as she slays Natalie Cole’s “Inseparable” above.)
James Wolpert (Team Adam Levine)
The alt-rocker left us intoxicated with his Playoffs cover of Joni Mitchell’s classic “A Case of You” but still got eliminated in Season 5’s Semifinals. (Have a listen above.)
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