Keke Palmer is joining one of NBC’s biggest reality TV franchises, but her reported salary is significantly lower than longtime host Carson Daly’s.
According to The Sun, Palmer is expected to earn nearly $2 million to host The Voice: Celebrity, which is set to premiere in Spring 2027. While that’s a substantial payday, it’s reportedly about $4 million less than the $6 million per season Daly earns for the flagship series.
The difference, however, comes down to their roles.
Palmer has signed on solely as the host of The Voice: Celebrity. Daly, on the other hand, has served as both host and executive producer of The Voice since the show premiered in 2011, giving him greater responsibilities and a higher reported salary.
A source told The Sun that Palmer’s deal only covers hosting duties and does not include a producer credit, which is said to be a major factor behind the pay gap.
NBC recently confirmed Palmer as the host of The Voice: Celebrity, and she celebrated the announcement on Instagram, telling fans, “That’s right. It’s true. I’m hosting The Voice. I’ll see you guys there.”
The celebrity edition will follow the familiar format of the original series, including the blind auditions, but will feature celebrities competing for the first-ever Voice: Celebrity title. The coaching panel includes Queen Latifah, Riley Green and Joe Jonas.
Despite speculation, Carson Daly has made it clear he is not leaving The Voice. While Palmer will host the celebrity edition, Daly will continue hosting the flagship series and remain an executive producer for the new spinoff.
“We’re gonna try out these two formats this fall and spring and see how it goes!” Daly wrote on Instagram, adding that he believes the celebrity version is better suited to a different host.
Daly will return for Season 30 of The Voice, premiering on September 21, alongside coaches Adam Levine, Kelly Clarkson, Queen Latifah and Riley Green.
Although Palmer is taking the spotlight for the celebrity edition, Daly remains one of the franchise’s driving forces both on and off the screen.