The beauty ofThe Voiceis that it’s become a revolving door of talent who have occupied the four infamous spinning red chairs. Since Season 1,The Voicehas courted an array of talent to coach the aspiring artists on the road to winning. But not every big-namesingerhas the opportunity or time to spend a season on set, so they swing by to serve as an advisor.The role of mentor or mega mentor allows the star to stop in and assist the coaches during their team’s rehearsal.
Over the past 27 seasons,The Voicehas welcomed an array of incredible mentors who have provided a wealth of knowledge to the artists. Once they get the taste of mentoring, many of these advisors have eventually returned to coach, includingReba McEntire, Kelsea Ballerini,Jennifer Hudson,Kelly Clarkson, andPharrell Williams. With this excellent track record,here are ten former mentors that I would love to see return as a coach onThe Voice.
10Ryan Tedder
Season 5, 8
If there’s something you should know aboutRyan Tedder,it’s that he’s a mastermind of music. As the lead singer ofOneRepublic, they have released an array of hit tracks, including “Apologize,” “Counting Stars,” and “All the Right Moves.” But beyond his work with OneRepbulic,Ryan Tedder has produced some of pop music’s biggest hits, including “Bleeding Love” byLeona Lewisand “Halo” byBeyoncé, and working alongsideAdeleandTaylor Swifton their major albums.Once named the “Undercover King of Pop,“his presence in the music industry has made an immense impact. The first time he joinedThe Voicewas during Season 5 asAdam Levine’s advisor for the Battles. Having first tried this position out onThe Voice Australia,Tedder explained he was at first reluctant, but was captivated by the premise of the show, working withJavier Colon following his victory in Season 1. The reason he enjoyed being an advisor was that it was essentially what he does in the world of music already.
He loved his experience so much thathe stuck around to serve asthe In-House Producer and Songwriter.For The Top 10 of Season 8, Pharrell Williams invited him to work with his team as a mentor. As someone who knows the ins and outs of the music industry,Ryan Tedder would be able to expand his wealth of knowledge and experience for an entire roster from start to finish.Having worked with a wide array of artists, he can take any singer that appears in the Blind Audition and make them a star. The show has had much success with coaches who are known producers, so Ryan Tedder would fit right in.
9Dierks Bentley
The Voicecannot function without a country presence as a coach. WhileBlake Sheltonheld down the fort for years, before Reba McEntire,Dan + Shay, and Kelsea Ballerinipicked up the slack. While their longevity hasn’t reached Blake Shelton’s tenure, should they need another country superstar, look no further thanDierks Bentley.
As a major figure in modern country music,Dierks Bentley is a hitmaker who has earned numerous honors throughouthis career.During Season 21, the country starhelped his long-time friend Blake Sheltonas his Battle advisor. As someone who has occupied the same box as Blake Shelton as a booming male vocalist, Bentley could bring a similar energy that Blake Shelton had without the distraction of a bromance.
While there will always be some artists of a certain age competing onThe Voice, a big majority of singers are young, aspiring individuals eager to break into the business. What better coach to have than someone who has pulled out an incredible career by breaking into the world as a young woman?The Voicewould be lucky to havesomeone like Brandy. As someone whose music has been covered season after season, there’s a reason why singers connect with her. She joinedJohn Legendfor Season 20, the show’s 10th anniversary, as his mentor in the Battles.
Brandy’s charm was on full display working alongside the EGOT winner. Should she ever take a spin as a full-time coach,Brandy could help her team navigate the entire entertainment industry.Having experience as a young actress and singer who continues to dominate the scene, she can bring out the confidence to be a crossover entertainer. What makes Brandy a brilliant option is that much of her career has also been through collaboration. A strong collaborator makes an excellent coach. The show has also had a shortage of female R&B coaches, so Brandy’s presence would be quite significant.
7Meghan Trainor
While she may not be the most beloved pop star in the scene,Meghan Trainor is a certified hitmaker.Her ability to make an uptempo pop song is uncanny. When you hear a Meghan Trainor track, you instantly have an illicit reaction. And chances are, you’re moving and grooving. Since her breakthrough about a decade ago, Meghan Trainor has appeared all over the world, helping aspiring artists who have had a dream like she once had. She first appeared during Season 8 ofThe Voice,serving as a mentor for Blake Shelton during the Battle round.
Her jovial persona was the exact energy that helped Blake with his team. Her recent rise to fame provided invaluable insight. While she has come back and performed on the US edition,Meghan Trainor has actually served as a coach around the world!Following her time as a judge on the short-livedThe Four: Battle for Stardom, she served as a coach onThe Voice UKin 2020 and a judge onAustralian Idolin 2023. She knows what to look for. She’s spun that chair and coached before. Her resume is more than worthy of giving her a shot on the American version. While she may have lasted longer in the UK, her pregnancy and COVID-19 restrictions prevented her from playing again. If there’s anyone who has persevered in this world, it’s Meghan Trainor. Her devotion to helping others would make for the perfect recipe as a full-time coach.
6Jimmie Allen
The Voicehas employed some coaches who have become megastars after going through the competition circuit.American Idolalums Jennifer Hudson and Kelly Clarkson have become exceptional coaches over the years, drawing on their own experience of being on that stage to mentor their singers. Perhaps it’s time to bring on someone who’s auditioned for the big time but was ultimately told no.Jimmie Allen auditioned forthe tenth season ofAmerican Idolbut was ultimately cut before the live shows.
Having understood how difficult a competition series can be, Jimmie Allen brought that toThe Voicewhen he served as an advisor for Team Blake on Season 22.As one of the few Black country artists on the scene, Jimmie Allen represents visibility.He is well-versed in learning how to defy naysayers and remain true to his authenticity. And he just so happens to be immensely talented. Being someone who is fresh in the industry and earning a reputation, his ability to connect with his roster would make him an invaluable coach. While he may not be the biggest name on this list, the practicality of Jimmie Allen as one of the quartet would be groundbreaking. It’s important to celebrate people like Jimmie Allen.
5Joe Jonas
Season 13, 18
We had oneJoBro, why not another! BeforeNick Jonasbecame a coach onThe Voice,Joe Jonashelped Adam Levine on Season 13. During the Battles, the heartthrob served as someone who understood how a quick rise to fame can affect an individual. As one-third of the biggest boy bands of the 21st century, Joe Jonas was the perfect foil to Adam Levine. Only a few years later, Joe Jonas was tapped to join the seventh season ofThe Voice Australiaas a coach. Again, his heart came through the screen as he advised his roster.
Perhaps he gave some advice to his brother as to why this gig rocks, but for Season 18, Nick Jonas became a full-time coach on the American iteration, where he invited both Joe andKevin Jonasto serve as his team’s mentors for the Battles. It was only years later that Joe admitted thathe wasjealous of his brother landing the gig.While a guest onArmchair Expert, hosted byKristen BellandDax Shepard, he said, “I found out that he was going to be a judge onThe Voice, andI was so jealous I cried my eyes out.I’m super happy for him, but I’m also bummed because I want that f-ing gig!” Well, there’s still time for the middle brother to get the gig!
4Coco Jones
The Voiceis known for bringing legends on as coaches, but what about future legends? If there is anyone who istoday’s next rising star, it’s Coco Jones. The actress-singer is one of the hottest artists of today. Before her recurring roles on some of Disney Channel’s biggest teen comedies, she competed onRadio Disney’s Next Big Thing, earning her a recording contract with Hollywood Records. Thanks to being a Disney kid,she was afforded opportunities to showcase her ability to sing and act, amplifying her talent to the next generation. While she was famous to a certain age, it wasn’t until 2022 that she signed with Def Jam where she finally was able to blossom.
As a singer, she garnered recognition and fame, eventually earning a Grammy for Best New Artist. As an actress, she was cast as a lead in the Peacock reboot ofBel-Air. And now, we can’t stop talking about Coco Jones.When she stopped byThe Voiceas a mentor for Team Legendon Season 27,she ended up being exactly what the show needed.Bringing her experience to the rehearsal room, Coco’s heart flourished. She brought some tough love, but it was exactly what the singers needed. With some artists, likeAri Camille, they saw their future in Coco. That’s what a great coach onThe Voicecan do. Should she have the time to join the show in a full-time capacity, it would be a gift to all.
WhenThe Voicerevealed that MGKwas going to serve as a mentoron Season 26 ofThe Voice, I think there was a collective shock. What could the tattoo-filled rock rapper give to the singers?And why was he paired with Gwen Stefani?What resulted was a lot of egg on our faces as MGK was one of the most exceptional mentors the show has ever known. MGK has bounced around in genres. He’s bold. He’s ambitious. And for many of the singers who aspire to make it in the music industry, MGK is someone to look at as inspiration.
As a collaborator and self-produced musician, MGK’s ability to connect with Team Gwen allowed viewers to see what it could be like to watch a celebrity who cares about helping singers grow rather than continue to bolster their profile by sitting on the panel for a paycheck. He has a career that forced him to pull himself out of the gutter to become the man he is today. Many of the mentors sit back and listen. Not MGK.He was out of his chair, on the same level as the singers, engaging them in a manner that made us want more.A coach needs to champion their singers. That’s what MGK would bring. As the biggest and most delightful surpriseThe Voicehas ever provided, it would be incredible to see him occupy a chair for a season.
2Cynthia Erivo
Cynthia Erivocould easily earn the top spot on this list, but when we get to number one, you’ll understand why. Nevertheless, Cynthia Erivo is one of the most talented individuals to walk this earth. Between her impeccable and flawless voice, her exceptional acting skills, and a heart of gold, it’s time to hold space for Cynthia Erivo and the potential she could bring as a full-time coach on The Voice.Joining Michael Bublé on Season 27, theWickedstar was fresh off a whirlwind experience bringing the Oscar-winning film to the masses.
She was able to give her time and experience to his team in a capacity that was necessary. She wasn’t there just to say, “Good job,” Cynthia Erivo critiqued through musicality.She shared music technique in a way that the average singer may not understand, but the person standing before her desperately needed to hear.She is classically trained in voice and stage. Her resume is bountiful. She is one of the biggest stars on the planet right now, so securing her for more than a day might be difficult, but any contestant who gets to work with Cynthia Erivo will be changed for good. Pun very much intended.
1Taylor Swift
Season 4, 7, 17
Perhaps Beyoncé could give her a run for her money, butis there any bigger superstar than Taylor Swift?As the Eras Tour has proven, people will travel the world to see her celebrate her entire history in her own way. As one of modern music’s most fascinating stories, Taylor Swift’s wealth of knowledge in the industry is bountiful. As a singer-songwriter who has gone through the ringer when it comes to the ownership of her music, Taylor Swift knows how to navigate this world and would provide immense support to anyone lucky enough to join her team. She first stopped byThe Voicefor Season 4 when she helped Team Usher’sMichelle Chamuelprepare for her performance of “I Knew You Were Trouble.”
While she didn’t have official mentor status, she did earn that title during Season 7. For the Knockouts, she served as the Mega Mentor for all four teams. Adam Levine, Gwen Stefani, Blake Shelton, and Pharrell Williams were quite lucky to have her on hand. As was the show. They loved having her there, so they brought her back as the Mega Mentor in 2019 as the Season 17 Mega Mentor, reuniting with lovebirds Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton, working with Kelly Clarkson and John Legend for the first time. If her time during Season 17 is any proof of her devotion to helping the next generation of artists, nothing will. The country pop mega-star wasmoved to tears by Hello Sunday, saying, “I was 10 or 11 years old singing for people, but seeing young performers who so firmly have their musical identity figured out, I was so completely shattered by it. I fully fell apart. It was that good.“That passion is exactly what would make Taylor Swift an exceptional coachonThe Voice.
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