Everything Blake Shelton Has Said About Why He’s Leaving ‘The Voice’
Blake Shelton’s tenure on The Voice is winding down.
The singer’s final season as a coach on the NBC singing competition after 12 years and nine triumphs.
Shelton first stated that he would be leaving the show in October 2022.
“I’ve been grappling with this for a while, and I’ve decided that it’s time for me to move away from The Voice after season 23,” he stated in an Instagram post. “This program has altered my life for the better in every manner, and it will always feel like home to me.”
“It’s been a hell of a ride throughout these 12 years of chair turns,” he continued, “and I want to thank everyone at The Voice from NBC, every producer, the authors, musicians, crew, and catering people, you’re the greatest.”
Shelton began season one as an assistant coach alongside Adam Levine, Christina Aguilera, and CeeLo Green. The Maroon 5 frontman and Shelton coached until Levine’s departure in season 16. Since then, numerous performers have occupied the red seats, including Nick Jonas, Shakira, and his wife, Gwen Stefani, whom he met on the program.
Kelly Clarkson returns as a coach in the most recent season, joining Chance the Rapper and Niall Horan, who make their series debuts.
Here’s everything Shelton has stated about why he’s quitting the show as the season continues.
Shelton stated he would focus on spending time with his wife, Gwen Stefani, and his stepsons after concluding the final season of NBC’s hit singing competition show in the spring.
“Gwen and I have done so much traveling, touring, and work in the first half of our lives that now we’re like, ‘Well, I’m good to throw my sweatpants on at 6 p.m. and watch Ozark eight times,'” Shelton said. “That’s our new life, and we love it.”
“If I quit my job now, the only thing I risk is having regrets about losing out on more essential things in life. For the time being, those are our children. This is no longer about me, and it never will be “Shelton stated.
In addition to spending quality time with his family, Shelton is contemplating the future steps in his music career.
“If you walk away from music, you might as well poison me or whatever. It is something I cannot do without. I can’t help myself.”
“I’m at a fork in the road right now. The country music scene is evolving at a quick pace, and there is some excellent material available. It’s incredible to witness the music that these young kids are doing and how creative they are, “added Shelton, who has had scores of No. 1 songs in his career.
“I’m having fun watching what’s happening and occasionally releasing a tune. That’s another reason I’m happy to have some time back away from The Voice and concentrate more on, ‘What sort of record do I want to make? Is it going to work? Do I give a damn? ‘Do I not give a damn?’ I’ve got a lot to learn, “He stated.
Shelton talked about how the show helped his career, which made it difficult for him to say goodbye at first.
“The issue has been that it has been difficult for me to let go of throughout the years. I’ve been here since the very beginning,” he stated. “I had been a country performer for ten years when I auditioned for The Voice. Until I became a coach, I never truly made it to the A-level of country performers. The show accomplished far more for me than I brought to the table then. I’ve far surpassed my expectations for myself in the entertainment industry.”
During an interview with Today, Shelton explained his decision to leave The Voice, saying he first pondered leaving in 2020.
“I suppose I was close to calling it a day just after COVID hit,” he told Daly in February 2023. “Also, because of COVID, I didn’t want to leave the show and put everyone in a bind. I mean, this show altered my life. I’m going to stay here till things return to normal.”
“That altered the course of my career. Everything in my life was turned upside down when I was hired as a coach on this show, “Shelton explained. “And in a good manner, you understand? This has been amazing, but it is time to go on. It’s time for not even what’s next. It would be lovely to do nothing.”
