NBC have big plans for the return of "The Voice" for season 11.
The network is planning to take advantage of the upcoming 2016 Summer Olympics by debuting "The Voice" and other shows right after the games.
A special 30-minute preview for the long-running singing reality show will be aired right after the Olympics's Closing Ceremony on Aug. 21. It will feature the introduction of the show's two new coaches, pop superstar Miley Cyrus and R&B hitmaker Alicia Keys. The two will join regular coaches Blake Shelton and Adam Levine.
Cyrus and Keys already appeared in previous seasons of the series. Keys acted as the advisor for Pharell Williams' team during Battle rehearsals in season 7, while Cyrus appeared as the key advisor during the Knockout rounds during season 10. They will replace Williams and Christina Aguilera, who have exited prior to the upcoming season.
NBC Entertainment Chairman Robert Greenblatt explained why they chose to air a preview episode of the premiere one month earlier than usual.
"The Olympics give us a unique chance to expose some of our strongest shows to millions of viewers who might not otherwise see them," Greenblatt said in a press release posted by Rickey. "So we wanted to showcase our great new comedy hit Superstore with a special Olympics-related storyline, as well as blow the doors open on this fall's blind auditions of The Voice featuring Alicia Keys and Miley Cyrus – our two new coaches – alongside Blake and Adam. Much appreciation to Mark Lazarus and our sports division who bring us the gift of the Olympics every two years."
The official premiere date of "The Voice" season 11 is on Sept. 19.
Meanwhile, former "The Voice" contestants paid tribute to Christina Grimmie. The season 6 contestant under Team Adam was shot and killed after a performance in Orlando in June.
Her fellow contestants Kat Perkins, Bria Kelly, Jake Barker, Audra McLaughlin and Delvin Choice as well as season 5 contenders Will Champlin and Jacquie Lee all shared their memorable moments with the slain singer in a video posted by "The Voice" on Youtube.
