Nellie Andreeva

Maybe Charlie Sheen was unavailable? NBC just announced that another celebrity who has been going through personal problems, Christina Aguilera, has been tapped as a musician coach on NBC’s new musical competition series The Voice, which will premiere on  April 26. Grammy winner Aguilera joins previously announced coaches Cee Lo Green and Adam Levine, with the last fourth coach expected to be named shortly. In their choices, NBC and producers Mark Burnett and John de Mol are clearly going for younger, contemporary artists to star on the show hosted by Carson Daly.

Aguilera had been in talks for the Voice gig for months and was one of the first artists  approached. In fact, word is her name was at the top of NBC’s wish list for the panel. “Christina has a once in a generation talent — her voice is phenomenally distinctive and instantly recognizable,” NBC’s head of alternative Paul Telegdy said today.  “Her journey as an artist, who started so young in the music business, will be an inspiration to the talent she coaches on the show.”

Aguilera could also serve as a cautionary tale about the trappings of fame and celebrity. The pop star has been a tabloid fixture over the past few weeks over the flubbed national anthem lyrics at the Super Bowl and her public intoxication arrest this week. Landing Aguilera is certain to draw a lot of attention to The Voice, which must cut through the clutter as it takes on Fox’s juggernaut American Idol in the crowded singing competition reality space that will soon also include Fox’s X Factor.

In The Voice, based on the Dutch format The Voice of Holland, each of the four coaches will pick 8 contestants who they will work with throughout the competition. For now, the Warner Horizon-produced show is slated to air a once-a-night affair but could expand to two nights later in its run.

TV Editor Nellie Andreeva - tip her here.