Blake Shelton Announces Plans to Leave ‘The Voice’, Ending an Era in the Popular Show’s History
Popular country singer Blake Shelton has announced that he is leaving the beloved reality show, "The Voice." Shelton's departure from
Ivy Griffith
Popular country singer Blake Shelton has announced that he is leaving the beloved reality show, "The Voice."
Shelton's departure from the show marks the end of an era, as he was the last original judge still in a chair.
Blake is Leaving “The Voice”
Thank you, @nbcthevoice. pic.twitter.com/m1xPgH2Cxn
— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) October 11, 2022
Shelton was the last original judge to remain on the show, but now that era has ended to the start of something new.
Shelton released a statement late Tuesday that read, "This show has changed my life in every way for the better and it will always feel like home to me." He added that he had been “wrestling with this for a while.”
The country singer continued, "I have to give a huge shoutout to the singers — the ‘Voices,’ who come on this stage season after season and amaze us with their talent," adding, “a special thanks to those who chose me to be their coach.”
Next season (the show's 23rd) will be his last. When Shelton first joined the show, other original judges included Adam Levine, Christina Aguilera and CeeLo Green.
Since then, a number of celebrity judges have cycled through the chairs including Pharrell, Shakira and Miley Cyrus – but Shelton has remained a steady staple.
It’s a Whole-Show Shake-up
But things weren't always smooth sailing for Shelton on the show. When he first started, he was married to fellow country star Miranda Lambert.
While judging "The Voice," Shelton met Gwen Stefani, a pop/rock legend who joined in 2014.
ABC News reports, "The pop star and “No Doubt” frontwoman joined the show in 2014 for its seventh season and the pair began dating the next year, after Shelton divorced Miranda Lambert and Stefani divorced Gavin Rossdale. Shelton and Stefani wed in July 2021.
'i am so proud of you and so blessed to have found u. your talent brings joy to the hearts of so many people and i am so lucky to be part of ur life’s journey,' Stefani commented on Shelton's Instagram post announcing his departure."
Current judges include Shelton, Stefani, John Legend and Camila Cabello.
Stefani, Legend and Cabello will also be leaving next season, and will be replaced by Kelly Clarkson, Niall Horan and Chance the Rapper.
This means that starting next season, the faces behind "The Voice" will look a little less familiar (Clarkson has spent a good deal of time as a rotating judge), and fans are a little nervous about what it could mean for the future of the mega-hit.