After taking a short break, singer-songwriter Alicia Keys will be coming back as a judge and mentor on reality talent show "The Voice" for its 14th season.
"The Voice" season 13 may still be in full swing, but next season's judges are all set to take on the challenge.
The show has been known to constantly rotate its panel, except for the two veterans — country singer Blake Shelton and pop rock artist Adam Levine. The judges' two middle seats have been filled by Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, Usher, Keys and a few other big names at some point. This season, they are currently occupied by returning judge Miley Cyrus and "The Voice UK" former mentor Jennifer Hudson.
Back in May, it was announced that "American Idol" season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson had finally accepted a seat on the panel for season 14, after reportedly being invited several times in the past.
"I'm so excited to join 'The Voice' at NBC. We've gone back and forth about a role as a coach for years, but the timing hasn't been right until now," she said in an official statement.
There have been a lot of speculations on which coach will come back to fill the remaining seat, or whether the show is getting another new coach next season. In a "The Voice" digital exclusive, it was Clarkson who finally revealed that Keys is next season's final judge.
In a statement, NBC Entertainment President of Alternative and Reality Group Paul Telegdy said, "We are thrilled to welcome back Alicia's positive energy, competitive spirit and sheer talent. She brings unparalleled expertise and has proven she knows how to help artists win."
The 15-time Grammy winner first appeared in the show's 11th season. In season 12, she led gospel singer Chris Blue to the top and emerged as champions. She took a break to focus on her fifth album, "Here," which was critically acclaimed.
"The Voice" season 14 is set to air in February 2018. In the meantime, the show's 13th season airs Mondays and Tuesdays at 8 p.m. EDT on NBC.
