Queen Latifah Joins ‘The Voice' as a Coach for Season 30
Queen Latifah is joining The Voice as a coach for season 30.
The legendary rapper, songwriter, and actress, 56, will make her coaching debut on the wildly popular singing competition series, NBC announced on May 12. The music icon will compete against Kelly Clarkson, Adam Levine, and newcomer Riley Green on the red chair panel.
In addition to her illustrious music career, which is known for hit songs like "Ladies First" and "U.N.I.T.Y," Latifah has a long history in television, with classic series like FOX's Living Single, and recent hits like the CBS action drama The Equalizer, which ran from 2021 to 2025.
The Voice Contestants Will Get Some Rap and Hip Hop Flavor
NBC's announcement of Queen Latifah's new gig states that her addition to the cast will allow contestants to work with a rap and hip-hop icon. However, it also notes that she's no slouch when it comes to other musical genres. Back in 2020, Latifah shared during an interview on The Kelly Clarkson Show that she's a big fan of country music. In fact, she cites Charlie Daniels' 1979 hit "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" as one of her favorite songs.
Check out the interview below:
"Really that was kind of a rap record, if you think about it!" Queen Latifah told Clarkson. "That was like a country rap record. I was like, 'Wait a minute. You know, this is dope.'" She also mentioned how a song by Florida Georgia Line felt "very hip hop" but it was still "very country," a blending of genres she loves.
"I think country music is really leaning into so many other genres now. I think it's pulling from a little hip hop, it's pulling from a little R&B, maybe," she continued.
When does The Voice Season 30 premiere?
While the exact premiere date of season 3 has not yet been announced, NBC.com just shared that Queen Latifah's debut on The Voice Season 30 is expected to happen in September 2026. As always, new episodes of The Voice will air Mondays at 8/7c on NBC.
Related: 'The Voice' Adds Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Superstar as New Coach for Season 30
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published May 12, 2026 at 8:12 AM.