diff --git a/src/main/java/org/elasticsearch/indices/cluster/IndicesClusterStateService.java b/src/main/java/org/elasticsearch/indices/cluster/IndicesClusterStateService.java
index 007ade33130..c789a72e004 100644
--- a/src/main/java/org/elasticsearch/indices/cluster/IndicesClusterStateService.java
+++ b/src/main/java/org/elasticsearch/indices/cluster/IndicesClusterStateService.java
@@ -131,7 +131,7 @@ public class IndicesClusterStateService extends AbstractLifecycleComponent<Indic
 
     @Override
     protected void doStart() throws ElasticSearchException {
-        clusterService.add(this);
+        clusterService.addFirst(this);
     }
 
     @Override