The Voice is entering a new era, and longtime viewers are about to see a major change behind the scenes. For the upcoming Season 31 celebrity edition, Keke Palmer is stepping in as host, while Carson Daly—who has been with the NBC singing competition since its debut in 2011—will sit out the new format.
The change initially sparked speculation that Daly simply wanted to scale back his workload and spend more time with his family. However, a new report points to another possible factor that could have influenced the decision: money.
Carson Daly’s Reported Salary vs. Keke Palmer’s
According to a source cited by The Sun, Daly was reportedly earning nearly $6 million per season when his hosting and producing fees were combined.
His compensation is said to have grown over the years as he took on additional responsibilities behind the scenes in addition to serving as the familiar face of the competition.
Palmer, meanwhile, is reportedly expected to earn around $2 million for her first season hosting The Voice: Celebrity. Unlike Daly, she reportedly will not receive a producer credit for the spinoff.
That difference has naturally raised questions about whether the new hosting arrangement could also help NBC reduce costs.
Still, there is no confirmation that financial considerations were the reason Daly was replaced. The reported salary figures simply offer another possible explanation for the change.
Carson Daly Isn’t Completely Leaving The Voice
Despite stepping away from hosting duties for the celebrity edition, Daly isn’t disappearing from The Voice altogether.
Following the announcement, Daly reportedly made it clear that he did not feel he was the right person to host the new format. He also praised Palmer and expressed confidence that she was the right choice to take on the role.
Daly is expected to remain involved with the franchise as an executive producer, although it is not yet clear how his overall compensation will change without the hosting portion of his role.
There had also been earlier speculation that Daly wanted to reduce his workload and devote more time to his personal life and family. That possibility has made his decision even more intriguing to longtime fans.
Why Keke Palmer Makes Sense for the New Format
Palmer isn’t new to NBC or television hosting.
She has already served as host of the network’s game show Password, earning an Emmy for her work. Her experience as a host, combined with her energetic personality and entertainment background, could make her a natural fit for The Voice: Celebrity.
The spinoff will also introduce a different coaching lineup. Joe Jonas, Queen Latifah and Riley Green are set to serve as the celebrity coaches.
Rather than featuring aspiring singers, the new edition will put celebrities in the spotlight as contestants, giving the series a very different atmosphere from the traditional competition.
Is This Really the End of Carson Daly as Host?
Not necessarily.
While Daly won’t be hosting the celebrity edition, there is no clear indication that his relationship with The Voice is over for good. His continued involvement as an executive producer could keep him closely connected to the franchise.
And if the door remains open for a future return, fans may eventually see Daly back in the host’s chair.
For now, however, the spotlight belongs to Keke Palmer as she prepares to lead The Voice into one of its biggest format changes yet.
Daly’s absence may be surprising, but with reports of a significant difference in compensation, his continued role behind the scenes, and a completely new celebrity-focused format, there may be more to this transition than fans initially realized.