Kelly Clarkson Will Serve as a Mentor on ‘The Voice’

NBC's hit singing competition series 'The Voice' will square off against reigning champ 'American Idol' next season -- and it'll have some help from the original 'Idol' winner in its quest for ratings victory. Kelly Clarkson has agreed to make an appearance in an episode scheduled to air in late March or April, during which she'll serve as a mentor to contestants being coached by Blake Shelton.

Clarkson talked about her affection for the show last year, saying, "The thing I love about ‘The Voice’ is that they’re more mentors — they’re not judges. I would never really want to be a judge, just because I don’t want to break people’s hearts."

She also mentioned another reason for wanting to visit the set: "I so want to audition for 'The Voice’ and see if I can get the chairs to turn around!"

Clarkson, who made a foray into country last year when she recorded a duet with Jason Aldean, shares a manager with Shelton. This couldn't have hurt when it came time to negotiate her visit to 'The Voice.' She also seems to be on friendly terms with the talent: According to the New York Post, she spent New Year's Eve with Shelton and his fellow 'Voice' coach Adam Levine.