The advisors for The Voice season 17 Battle Rounds have been announced. NBC has confirmed a strong lineup of guest mentors who will guide the coaches and contestants through the competitive Battle Round phase. Here’s a clear, concise look at the advisors and what they bring to the table.
Gwen Stefani will be joined by Will.i.am for the Battle Rounds. Will.i.am is known for his production work, songwriting, and experience as a coach on The Voice UK. His background in pop, hip-hop, and electronic production complements Gwen’s pop and rock sensibilities. Together, they can offer contestants a broad set of perspectives on arrangement, stage presence, and contemporary production techniques. Will.i.am has also appeared as a guest artist on other NBC music programs, adding relevant television experience to his mentorship role.
Kelly Clarkson will be working with Normani as her Battle Round advisor. Normani rose to fame through a televised singing competition and later became a member of the popular girl group Fifth Harmony before launching a solo career. She has also competed on Dancing with the Stars and released the single “Motivation,” showcasing her skills as both a performer and a recording artist. Normani’s recent pop and R&B hits, combined with Kelly’s successful career in mainstream pop and her own experience as a singing show winner, make them a strong pairing for advising contestants on vocal performance, choreography, and connecting with modern audiences.
John Legend will bring back his longtime friend Usher as an advisor. Usher has previous experience as a coach on The Voice, and his return adds a veteran perspective to John’s team. Known for his work as a singer, performer, and mentor, Usher offers proven coaching techniques and industry insight. John Legend praised Usher’s past contributions to the show and emphasized that contestants benefit from having a seasoned coach who understands both vocal craft and stage dynamics. Their collaboration is likely to focus on emotional delivery, vocal technique, and commercial preparedness.
Blake Shelton has tapped country star Darius Rucker to mentor his team during the Battle Rounds. Darius Rucker, who gained recognition as the lead singer of Hootie & the Blowfish and later as a country artist, brings a wealth of performance experience and a strong sense of musical versatility. Blake noted that Darius is an excellent choice for mentorship because of his proven track record in multiple genres and his steady, encouraging presence. Rucker’s country background combined with Blake’s coaching experience should provide contestants with practical guidance on authenticity, song interpretation, and connecting with country and crossover audiences.
Fans of the show may remember former coach Adam Levine, and there is always speculation about when past coaches might return as advisors. For now, the announced advisor roster joins the established coaching panel to offer contestants a diverse set of industry viewpoints during one of the most important early rounds of the competition.
Season 17 of The Voice premieres on NBC on Monday, September 23. This season will return to the traditional format that viewers are familiar with: after the Battle Rounds, contestants will proceed to the Knockouts. This marks a return to the show’s established structure following season 16’s experimentation with Live Cross Battles, an approach that produced uneven team distributions in the finals. Reinstating the Knockouts after Battles allows coaches and advisors to steer contestants through a more consistent elimination process and helps ensure a balanced progression toward live shows.
These Battle Round advisors add musical breadth and television-savvy mentorship. From pop and R&B production to country storytelling and veteran stagecraft, the advisors are positioned to offer contestants tactical coaching that can influence song choice, arrangement, performance, and overall career trajectory. Viewers can expect dramatic pairings, memorable performances, and compelling mentor moments as these advisors collaborate with the main coaches to shape the season’s standout artists.
PHOTO GALLERY
The image above features Normani and Kelly Clarkson together at a promotional shoot for The Voice. Additional promotional photos showcasing the coaches and advisors will be released as the season approaches.