NBC announced on August 4 that The Voice will return soon with a brand new Celebrity edition, featuring coaches Queen Latifah, Riley Green, newcomer Joe Jonas…and no Carson Daly.
For the first time since the show's inception, Carson, 53, will not host a season, instead handing over that task to actress and fellow NBC TV show host Keke Palmer.
Carson Daly breaks his silence
Amid speculation that the news marked a quiet departure from the franchise for the longtime TV personality, Carson himself took to social media to react to the big news. He shared a photo of himself from a publicity shot for the very first season of The Voice back in 2011, featuring Adam Levine, Christina Aguilera, CeeLo Green and Blake Shelton as coaches.
© Getty Images"Hiya friends! So today we announced our new upcoming 'Celebrity' version of @nbcthevoice," he penned in his caption. "A spin off format of our long running show. It's a new concept than what has aired for 30 seasons aka the 'OG format' where regular humans sing, chairs turn, teams are built, one winner crowned at the end."
He continued: "'Celeb Voice' is a fun, NEW IDEA that features some big differences like… FAMOUS PEOPLE singing for 3 coaches to see if they have what it takes. There's lots of new twists & turns."
Why is Carson not hosting The Voice Celebrity?
The former MTV VJ also explained why he didn't feel like this particular spin-off was the right one for him to take on as a host, tying back to his tenure co-hosting NBC's TODAY, where he presents the pop culture-oriented PopStart segments. For his part, Carson was absent from the August 5 telecast of TODAY.
© Getty Images"I have been talking about it on @todayshow for a while now. I am not the right host for it," he explained, although was sure to shower his replacement Keke with praise.
"We have a NEW amazing HOST! The triple threat queen @keke who is PERFECT for it! I'm so grateful she carved out the time in her busy career to help us out. We're all big fans & welcome her to the family." Keke, 32, has a relationship with the network stretching back years, most notably as the host of NBC's revival of the game show Password, which began in 2022.
© Getty ImagesIs Carson leaving The Voice?
The dad-of-four also cleared up reports that stated he'd be quietly exiting the show after 30 seasons as the host. "Many today have asked if I'm leaving the show. Nope."
"We're gonna try out these 2 formats this fall/spring & see how it goes! Hopefully this post clears up any confusion. I am still hosting the show currently."
© Getty Images"In fact," he continued. "I have hosted & produced every single second of the show since day 1, 30 seasons. 16 years," noting that he'll be producing the latest spin-off as well, so he'll still be involved behind the camera. "I'll be producing Celeb Voice only & helping it launch from behind the scenes."
"Meanwhile, thanks for watching any/all Voice shows & we can't wait to see you NEXT MONTH with the 'OG' Voice coaches," Carson gushed, shouting out the show's upcoming milestone season. He immediately received the support of many fans and friends in the comments section, with his TODAY co-host Savannah Guthrie even writing: "The best of the best - and the [heart] of it all."
© Getty ImagesWhen will The Voice return?
The milestone 30th season of The Voice will premiere on September 21, with Carson returning as host, joined by coaches Adam, Riley, Queen Latifah and Kelly Clarkson. The season will mark the debuts for Queen and Riley, and returns for veteran coaches Adam (his 19th season) and Kelly (her 11th season).
Meanwhile, The Voice Celebrity is slated for a spring 2027 release, although the details on the show's format and celebrity contestants have not yet been revealed.
