“Never Say Never”: Beloved Coach Will Not Return to ‘The Voice’ Next Season, but Leaves Door Open

For over a decade, Kelsea Ballerini tirelessly worked to create a lasting career in country music. Knowing the amount of work, dedication, and sacrifice it took to land on some of the biggest stages in country music, she started with her debut album The First Time in 2015. And just last year, she released her fifth studio album with Patterns. But that wasn’t all. Helming her own tour, Ballerini also made her coaching debut on The Voice season 27. Although thrilled about her time on the show, the singer recently admitted to wanting nothing more than to take a break and enjoy the summer. 

Videos by American Songwriter

Appearing on Today With Jenna & Friends, Ballerini looked forward to her upcoming performance at the CMA Fest in Nashville. But at the same time, she insisted, “I need a break! And I’ve never been able to say that before, but I really think it’s just time for me to pump the brakes, figure out what’s next, have a summer, what? Go to the beach? Huh? Learn to cook a new meal, hang out with the dogs. So that’s kind of my agenda.”  

[RELATED: ‘The Voice’ Star Kelsea Ballerini’s Career Trajectory in 5 Songs]

Kelsea Ballerini Considered ‘The Voice’ One Of The Greatest Honors

While being able to take the summer off reminded many of their time in school and those endless nights, Ballerini explained how that wish rarely became a reality. “Every time I say that I have time off, something happens. But I’m very open to whatever is out there.”

With Ballerini knowing that fame can disappear at any moment, she constantly pushed her career forward. That drive led her to The Voice. While not winning the season, she apparently loved her time on the show. “It’s been such a beautiful season of doing things that are out of my comfort zone and bigger than I’ve ever done, and it’s been really fulfilling. I love being in that seat.”

Considering her coaching debut “one of the greatest honors of my career”, Ballerini didn’t rule out a return in the future as she declared, “Never say never.” For fans of The Voice, Ballerini’s return will have to wait as the producers revealed the coaches for season 28, airing this fall, consisted of Snoop Dogg, Niall Horan, Michael Bublé, and Reba McEntire. 

(Photo By Dylan Johnson/Shutterstock)