Why Did Ariana Grande Leave The Voice? Reason for Not Returning

Ariana Grande is saying, “Thank u, next,” after her one-season stint on The Voice. While many fans of the “7 Rings” singer loved seeing her serve as a coach on NBC’s singing competition, Ari has made it clear that she’s unlikely to ever return to those big red chairs.

When Was Ariana Grande on ‘The Voice’?

The “Dangerous Woman” hitmaker appeared on The Voice season 21 in fall 2021 alongside fellow coaches Kelly Clarkson, Blake Shelton and John Legend. Ariana served as the replacement for Nick Jonas, who was a coach on seasons 18 and 20.

Ariana coached duo Jim & Sasha Allen to the semifinals, but they were eliminated before the finale, taking the Grammy winner out of the running at the end of the competition. Team Kelly’s sibling trio Girl Named Tom ultimately won season 21.

Ahead of her time on the show in 2021, Ariana told Stage Right Secrets that she was a huge fan of The Voice. “It’s so happy and infectiously joyous,” she said. “I also am super moved by how brilliant the performers are and by their voices and the opportunity to work with artists who dream of doing what we get to do is a really fun and cool thing.”

Why Did Ariana Grande Leave ‘The Voice’?

Though she loves the competition, Ariana admitted that she probably will never be able to join The Voice again — but not for any reason relating to drama on set. It turned out that the show wasn’t a great fit for her because of how “emotionally attached” she became to the contestants. Coaches must eliminate singers from their own teams each week, which took a toll on Ariana.

“That’s my problem,” she told Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang on the “Las Culturistas” podcast on November 6, 2024. “I can’t really do that because I really get in. I really get in there with everyone. I love everyone so much. I love meeting people, and I’ve felt so invested.”

Though she left The Voice behind, Ariana revealed that she still keeps up with contestants from her season. “I love them,” she continued. “I’m in touch with them on Instagram. I like their posts, I see their things, I see what they’re up to.”

Ariana also had nothing but high praise for Kelly, whom she called “the best in the world” and “f–king incredible.” The Kelly Clarkson Show host was a longtime veteran of The Voice, having coached for nine seasons before she moved to New York and left the competition after season 23. She won The Voice four times.

Ariana Grande Was Reportedly the Highest-Paid ‘Voice’ Coach in History

Despite only serving as a newcomer coach for one season, Ariana was reportedly the highest-paid coach in the show’s history.

“Sources say Ariana is getting a whopping $20 to $25 million for the show, putting her in the same category as Katy Perry on American Idol,” iHeartRadio’s Rob Shuter reported on his “Naughty But Nice” podcast in March 2021.

For comparison, most new coaches start at a salary of around $8 million to $10 million in their first season, according to multiple reports. Ariana’s one-season salary was also reportedly higher than Blake’s, who was the longest-running coach until his departure in season 23. He reportedly made $13 million per season, according to The Wrap.