Ariana Grande becomes a judge on ‘The Voice’: Who is she replacing?

Ariana Grande’s decision to step into the red swivel chair on The Voice marked a brief but memorable chapter for both the singer and the long-running NBC competition. The 2021 announcement arrived at a moment when her catalog already dominated streaming playlists, yet the move still felt like a fresh pivot for a star who had spent years focused on albums and tours.

The big announcement

The March 30, 2021, Instagram post showed Grande perched on the familiar judge chair marked “I want you,” dressed in leopard print and a black corset. Her caption read: “surprise !!! i am beyond thrilled, honored, excited to be joining @kellyclarkson @johnlegend @blakeshelton next season ~ season 21 of @nbcthevoice ! 🤍 @nickjonas we will miss you”. Season 21 premiered September 20, 2021, confirming the timeline that had once been only a rumor.

Expressing her excitement

In a press statement Grande said she had long been a fan of the series and looked forward to working with the other coaches and the new contestants. She ultimately coached only that single season alongside Clarkson, Legend, and Shelton. Nick Jonas, whom she replaced for those episodes, had previously appeared in Seasons 18 and 20; after Grande’s stint the rotation continued with other artists rather than an immediate Jonas return.

Her Single Season as Coach

Grande’s team advanced through the battles and playoffs but did not reach the finale. Observers noted the close rapport she built with her contestants, even as the experience remained limited to the one cycle. The focused run gave her a direct window into the production process without extending into further seasons.

Why She Won't Return

December 2024 interviews made clear that Grande has no plans to return as a coach. She explained that she became too emotionally invested in her team and preferred to channel that intensity elsewhere. The comments closed the door on any speculation that the 2021 appearance might lead to future rotations.

The Voice Coaching Evolution Since 2021

After Season 21 the panel continued to shift. Camila Cabello, Chance the Rapper, and Niall Horan each took turns, alongside returning veterans. Jonas did not rejoin immediately following Grande’s season, underscoring how the show’s coach lineup has remained fluid rather than fixed.

Positions Legacy and Streaming Milestones

Positions, the album Grande promoted around the time of her Voice announcement, has now surpassed 6.4 billion streams on Spotify. In 2026 the project re-entered the Billboard 200 alongside other catalog titles, illustrating how the 2020 release continues to resonate rather than fade into a fixed moment in her discography.

Looking back, Grande’s single-season turn on The Voice sits neatly between blockbuster album cycles and later creative priorities. The 2021 announcement captured the excitement of the moment while later updates clarified its finite scope, giving fans a complete picture of both the event and its aftermath.