Kelsea Ballerini is stepping in as a coach for "The Voice" Season 20 Battle Rounds, filling in for Kelly Clarkson who is taking a break due to illness.
The preview for the upcoming Battle Rounds, screened during the show's episode on Monday (March 22), showed Ballerini sitting in Clarkson's chair. "Just pretend I'm Kelly!" Ballerini is seen saying in the clip.
Ballerini's presence as a coach surprised other coaches Blake Shelton, John Legend and Nick Jonas. Responding to Legend's question, "Who do we blame when you make a mistake?" she says, "Her!"
"The Voice" host Carson Daly explained Clarkson was sick and would have to tune into the Battle Rounds from home.
Ballerini wrote on social media that it's an honor to fill in for someone who she's long considered a musical hero.
"When [Clarkson] calls and asks you to keep her seat warm, you put all those years of being her superfan to work," she noted, adding that she's "forever #teamkelly."
She also thanked Legend, Jonas and Shelton for making her feel welcome on the show.
"Thank you so much @KelseaBallerini for sitting in for me while I was feeling under the weather!" Kelly shared on Twitter on Monday. "I know my team is in great hands with you!! Y'all aren't going to want to miss this!! The battles start next week on @NBCTheVoice! #TeamKelly #TheVoice."
"The Voice" airs on Mondays and Tuesdays at 8 PM ET on NBC.
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