Blake Shelton shocked fans of NBC’s The Voice by sharing that next season of the hit show would be his last.
Shelton, who has appeared in all 22 seasons, will end his reign as the longest serving coach next spring at the end of the 23rd season.
“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 said in a statement. “This show has changed my life in every way for the better and it will always feel like home to me.”
The country star and TV personality added that the show changed his life for the better – he met his wife Gwen Stefani on set – and the show will “always feel like home to me.”
However, he wrote “it’s been a hell of a ride over these 12 years of chair turns,” and not only did it take all of the hard work from crew members to put together the shows, but “it takes a lot of work, passion, and adult beverages (Ha!) to pull off a live show twice a week.”
“I’ve made lifelong bonds with Carson and every single one of 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.”
Lastly, Shelton thanked the fans for watching and supporting not only the show and coaches, but the artists chasing their dreams.
“It wouldn’t happen without you!”
While The Voice is currently airing its 22nd season, when it returns for its 23rd, fan-favorite Kelly Clarkson will also return as a coach. NBC announced that Chance the Rapper and Niall Horan will also join the two veteran coaches.
Carson Daly, who has been the show’s host since the beginning, will return as the host.
Congratulations to Blake Shelton on an incredible run on The Voice! I will miss seeing you on the show, but can’t wait to see what’s next for you.
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