The Voice is reportedly entering a new era, with actress and entertainer Keke Palmer set to succeed longtime host Carson Daly after his historic 30-season run on the NBC singing competition.
According to The U.S. Sun, Palmer has been selected to host Season 31, following Daly’s reported decision to step away from the role after hosting every season since the show’s debut in 2011.
Multiple production sources told the outlet that Palmer emerged as the top choice after producers considered several high-profile names.
“There were a few big names in the running to host Season 31,” one insider claimed.
According to the source, Kelly Clarkson was among those discussed after her schedule became more flexible following the end of her daytime talk show.
“She’s already beloved by the fanbase, but Keke Palmer was also in discussions to take over the season,” the insider said.
The source added that Palmer ultimately secured the role after impressing producers throughout the casting process.
“Ultimately things didn’t work out with Kelly and Keke got the gig,” the insider said.
“Keke has blown producers away with her charisma and talent. She gets along great with both the coaches and the contestants.”
The source continued, “She is a total natural and has killed it so far, so if she wants a bigger role in the future, the door will remain open.”
Although Palmer is reportedly taking over as host for Season 31, Clarkson remains part of The Voice family and will return as one of the coaches for Season 30.
NBC has not officially confirmed Palmer’s casting or announced the full coaching lineup for Season 31.
Palmer, 32, has built a successful entertainment career spanning nearly two decades. She first gained national attention as the star of the 2006 film Akeelah and the Bee before becoming one of Nickelodeon’s biggest stars in True Jackson, VP.
She later expanded into film, television, and music, appearing in projects including Scream Queens, Hustlers, Jordan Peele’s Oscar-winning Nope, and the 2025 comedy One of Them Days. Palmer has also hosted her own daytime talk show, voiced animated films, released music, and won an Emmy Award as host of NBC’s Password.
The reported hosting change follows claims that Carson Daly decided to leave after balancing The Voice with his responsibilities on NBC’s Today became increasingly difficult.
According to previous reports, Daly’s demanding schedule, which requires him to travel regularly between New York for Today and Los Angeles for The Voice, along with his desire to spend more time with his family, influenced his decision not to host Season 31.
Despite stepping away from hosting duties, Daly is expected to remain involved with the franchise as an executive producer, leaving open the possibility of returning in a future season.
Fans will still see Daly hosting Season 30, which premieres on Monday, September 21.
Joining him for the milestone season will be returning coaches Kelly Clarkson and Adam Levine, alongside newcomers Queen Latifah and Riley Green.
