IN THE HOT SEAT

Grammy-nominated Kelsea Ballerini grabs a chair along with returning coach Adam Levine as the venerable singing competition kicks off its 27th season

- JIM HALTERMAN

T HE DRAMA OF NBC's incredibly successful singing competition has always been about stars. There are ones in the making, as hopeful vocalists give it their all onstage. There are ones in the spinning red chairs, who range from music legends to country heavy hitters.

And when Season 27 premieres, there will be another one: Kelsea Ballerini, the Grammy-nominated pop singer who is making her full-time coaching debut. She's not the only star being welcomed to the podium this go-round: Returning favorite Adam Levine will again join the coaching panel of the long-running series after a five-year absence.