Blake Shelton has recently announced that he will be departing The Voice after next season. The singer has spent 11 years as a coach on The Voice. Shelton revealed his departure in a lengthy statement posted to his Instagram account, where he also gave a shout-out to fellow coach and wife Gwen Stefani.
As Blake announced his exit, NBC revealed two new coaches who will join the new season. Excitingly, one of the One Direction member is set to join the show. One Direction alum Niall Horan will join the show next year as coach with Chance The Rapper. In his statement, Blake wrote, “I’ve been wrestling with this for a while and I’ve decided that it’s time for me to step away from The Voice after season 23.”
Shelton added, “This show has changed my life in every way for the better and it will always feel like home to me. It’s been a hell of a ride over these 12 years of chair turns and I want to thank everyone at The Voice from NBC, every producer, the writers, musicians, crew and catering people, you are the best. It takes a lot of work, passion, and adult beverages (Ha!) to pull off a live show twice a week.”
The singer further added, “I’ve made lifelong bonds with Carson and every single one my fellow coaches over the years, including my wife, Gwen Stefani! 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 and a special thanks to those who chose me to be their coach.” The post was captioned, ‘Thank you, @nbcthevoice.’
Just before Blake’s big announcement, NBC revealed Niall and Chance would be joining the show next season as coaches. The show shared a snap of a peace emoji with Blake, Kelly Clarkson, Chance, and Niall tagged. ‘See you in 2023 @niallhoran @blakeshelton @kellyclarkson @chancetherapper,’ the post was captioned. Currently, Shelton serves as a coach alongside Camila Cabello, John Legend, and his wife Gwen Stefani.
Blake has been a coach on The Voice since its inception in 2011. He was among a panel of coaches which included Christina Aguilera, CeeLo Green, and Adam Levine. Over the years, the show has attracted big talent to serve as coaches including Ariana Grande, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, and Miley Cyrus. Blake met his wife Gwen while working on the hit series back in 2014. The singer was previously married to Kaynette Gern from 2003 until 2006, and to Miranda Lambert from 2011 until 2015.
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