“The Voice,” the hit reality singing competition, returns Monday for its 21st season on NBC.

In addition to returning judges Blake Shelton, John Legend and Kelly Clarkson, pop sensation Ariana Grande joins the row of turning chairs, enhancing the show’s quality and, doubtlessly, their views.

Blake Shelton is the only remaining original coach, outlasting Maroon 5 singer Adam Levine. Under his belt are eight season wins, establishing his credibility as a coach and a key component of the show.

Out of the eight seasons American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson has judged on “The Voice,” her artists have won three times, making her success as a mentor on the show evident.

Soulful artist John Legend enters his sixth year of coaching for the competition series, and he has only taken home one season win. Will he be able to change this course of his game trajectory this season?

Finally, and most notably, Grammy award-winning pop vocalist Ariana Grande joins the team of judges for season 21. Grande prides herself in her unique talent and ear in the field of vocal arrangement. So she will doubtlessly use her keen, well-practiced ear to her advantage this season, finding exceptional talent and potential in the show’s contestants.

Thankfully, Carson Daly will be returning as host for the show, entering his 21st season alongside Shelton.

For those who watch reality television or game shows, it’s understood that the host makes a tremendous impact on the tone of the show and ensures a smooth live performance. Daly has done a great job at this for the entirety of the show, despite unavoidable technical difficulties and major miscommunications.

For the 21st season, the coaches have called upon tremendous music icons to serve as mentors for their teams.

Veteran coach Shelton has invited country star Dierks Bentley to help him advise his team this season, potentially hinting at his hopes to win with a country artist this season, as he won last season with pop singer Cam Anthony.

Clarkson has also brought on a country mentor, “Dirt Road Anthem” singer Jason Aldean. Does this too reveal her strategy when searching for specific sounds this season?

Coach Legend has employed latina pop singer Camila Cabello, continuing his trend of bringing diversity to the show and to his team.

To no surprise, due to her evident love of Broadway and legendary musical figures, Grande has managed to gain Tony award winning American actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth as a mentor for her team. Chenoweth, who starred on hit musical show “Glee,” will bring a unique element to the show and help her mentees in terms of confidence and stage presence, which she masters beautifully in her personal work.

The Voice airs on Monday and Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. on NBC, starting Sept. 20.

Tune in as the show kicks off its blind auditions with new coach Grande.

Who will win the $100,000 prize and a contract with Republic Records?

ALI SMITH

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