Carson Daly Breaks His Silence After Keke Palmer Is Named The Voice’s New Host

Carson Daly Breaks His Silence After Keke Palmer Is Named The Voice’s New Host

Carson Daly is making it clear he isn’t going anywhere.

The longtime “Voice” host took to Instagram Tuesday night to address confusion after NBC announced that Keke Palmer will host Season 31 of the singing competition.

Daly, 53, explained that Season 31, titled “The Voice: Celebrity,” is a spinoff of the long-running series — and that’s why Palmer, 32, is taking over hosting duties.

“I am not the right host for it. We have a NEW amazing HOST!” the former “TRL” star wrote before praising Palmer as a “triple threat queen” who is “perfect” for the job.

Carson Daly holding a microphone on stage during The Voice Live Finale.
Carson Daly (pictured on “The Voice” in 2025) addressed the news that Keke Palmer is replacing him.Trae Patton/NBC via Getty

“I’m so grateful she carved out the time in her busy career to help us out. We’re all big fans & welcome her to the family.”

The “Today” co-anchor also shut down speculation that he’s exiting the franchise altogether.

“Many today have asked if I’m leaving the show. Nope,” he wrote.

“We’re gonna try out these 2 formats this fall/spring & see how it goes! Hopefully this post clears up any confusion. I am still hosting the show currently.”

Reba McEntire, Snoop Dogg, Carson Daly, Michael Bublé, and Niall Horan on stage at "The Voice" Live Finale.
Daly (pictured on “The Voice” in 2025 with Reba McEntire, Snoop Dogg, Michael Buble and Niall Horan) clarified that he’s not leaving the show.Trae Patton/NBC via Getty Images
Carson Daly from "The Voice" in a studio portrait.
Daly (pictured on “The Voice” Season 1) said he’s still producing the celebrity spinoff, and he’ll continue hosting the original format.NBCUniversal via Getty Images

Daly noted that he has “hosted & produced every single second of the show since day 1” over the course of 30 seasons and 16 years.

“In fact, I have hosted & produced every single second of the show since day 1, 30 seasons. 16 years,” he continued. “I’ll be producing Celeb Voice only & helping it launch from behind the scenes.”

The TV personality also explained the difference between the original competition and its celebrity-focused counterpart.

The five cast members of The Voice - Adam Levine, CeeLo Green, Christina Aguilera, Blake Shelton, and Carson Daly - stand in a group portrait.
Daly (pictured on “The Voice” Season 3 with Adam Levine, CeeLo Green, Christina Aguilera and Blake Shelton) teased “twists and turns” to come.NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images
Carson Daly speaking into a microphone on the set of The Voice.
Daly (pictured on “The Voice”) is still hosting Season 30, airing in September.NBCUniversal via Getty Images

While the traditional format features everyday contestants auditioning for coaches before competing for one winner, “The Voice: Celebrity” will instead pit famous faces against one another to see if they have what it takes to impress the coaches.

Daly teased there will also be plenty of “twists and turns.”

Palmer announced her new gig via Instagram on Tuesday, telling fans, “That’s right. It’s true. I’m hosting ‘The Voice.’ I’ll see you guys there.”

Keke Palmer in a black dress arriving at 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon' in New York City.
Palmer (pictured on July 28) will host Season 31, a spinoff called “The Voice: Celebrity.”GC Images
Keke Palmer seen in Midtown.
Palmer (pictured on July 27) will host the show, which premieres in 2027.GC Images
Keke Palmer hosting Password - Season 3.
Hosting “Password” in 2025.David Holloway/NBC via Getty Ima

According to NBC, “The Voice: Celebrity” is “an extension of the longstanding series” that swaps undiscovered talent for celebrities, including actors, musicians, influencers, athletes, comedians and reality TV stars, all competing to become the first celebrity champion.

Palmer will join returning coaches Queen Latifah and Riley Green, while Joe Jonas will make his debut as a coach.

Last week, the US Sun reported that Daly had quietly stepped back from hosting after 30 seasons because of his demanding schedule as a “Today” co-anchor and his desire to spend more time with his family.

Keke Palmer smiling on an orange couch with arms spread, wearing a camouflage jacket and baggy jeans.
Daly said he’s “grateful” that Palmer (pictured) has carved out time for “The Voice.”keke/Instagram
A woman with red-brown hair and glasses, with her mouth wide open and eyes wide, next to a young child with curly brown hair holding a piece of bread.
Palmer (pictured) teased on Tuesday, “I’ll see you guys there.”kekepalmer/Instagram

“He wasn’t able to make the upcoming season’s schedule work with his ‘Today’ show schedule,” a source told the outlet.
“So his ‘Today’ workload mixed with not wanting to be away from family this next year made him say no to hosting 31.”

“The Voice” Season 30 premieres Sept. 21 on NBC with Daly returning as host.

“The Voice: Celebrity” is set to premiere in 2027 on a date yet to be announced.

Disclaimer: This story is fictional and created for entertainment purposes only. Any names, characters, places, or events are fictitious or used fictitiously. No real person or organization is intended to be portrayed.

Recommended for You

View Archive arrow_forward