The Voice is heading into a brand-new era, but the upcoming celebrity edition has reportedly hit an unexpected roadblock before viewers have even seen the first episode.
Season 31 will feature famous personalities instead of aspiring singers, bringing a major twist to the long-running NBC competition. Now, according to a report from The Sun, one of the celebrity contestants has reportedly withdrawn from the show before the Battle Rounds.
The contestant is said to be social media star and singer Bella Poarch.
Bella Poarch reportedly leaves the competition
According to the report, Poarch made it through the Blind Auditions before leaving the competition just days before the Battle Rounds were scheduled to begin.
Her reported departure came at a particularly difficult point in production, as contestants had already been assigned to coaches and preparations for the next stage were underway.
The late change reportedly forced producers to make adjustments to the competition and reshuffle the teams.
The reason for Poarch’s departure has not been publicly confirmed.
At this point, it remains unclear whether the circumstances surrounding her exit will be addressed when the season eventually airs.
From TikTok star to recording artist
Poarch became one of the internet’s biggest personalities after rising to fame on TikTok. Her viral videos quickly built a massive following and helped turn her into a recognizable name far beyond social media.
She later expanded into music, signing with Warner Records and releasing her debut EP, Dolls, in 2022.
Her music career has included several releases and collaborations, making her an intriguing choice for a celebrity-focused edition of The Voice.
Her reported departure therefore comes as an unexpected twist, particularly because she had already advanced beyond the show’s first stage.
Season 31 is already breaking tradition
Poarch’s reported exit comes at a time when The Voice itself is undergoing some of its biggest changes.
Instead of unknown performers competing for a major career breakthrough, Season 31 will feature celebrities stepping onto the stage and showing off their musical abilities.
The coaching panel will also look different, with Queen Latifah, Riley Green and Joe Jonas taking their places as coaches.
Keke Palmer will serve as host of the celebrity edition, marking another significant change for the franchise after Carson Daly’s long run in the role.
But the differences don’t stop there.
No live shows or public voting
The celebrity edition is expected to be filmed in advance rather than following the traditional live-show format.
That means viewers will not have the usual opportunity to vote from home. Instead, the competition will reportedly use a different voting system involving members of the studio audience.
For longtime The Voice viewers, losing the public vote could be one of the most noticeable changes of all.
With the celebrity cast, new host, different coaches and revamped voting format, Season 31 is shaping up to be unlike any previous version of the franchise.
When will The Voice: Celebrity premiere?
Fans will have to wait until 2027 to see the new celebrity edition.
Before that, Season 30 will premiere on NBC on September 21, 2026, returning to the show’s more familiar format. Carson Daly will continue as host, with Kelly Clarkson, Adam Levine, Queen Latifah and Riley Green serving as coaches.
Then, when Season 31 arrives, viewers will be introduced to an entirely different version of The Voice.
And if Poarch’s reported departure is any indication, the new celebrity edition may already be delivering unexpected twists before it has even reached television.