Blake Shelton Announces Departure From “The Voice” After 23-Season Run
He holds the record for most seasons won by a coach ever.
Blake Shelton is peacing out from “The Voice” — literally. The country music star announced he’s retiring from “The Voice” after season 23, which he’ll be coaching alongside returning mentor Kelly Clarkson and newcomers Chance the Rapper and Niall Horan.
On Tuesday, Oct. 11, the celebrity coaches all posted a peace sign emoji on Instagram, tagging a fellow coach. At first, fans thought they were teasing new music. Is Clarkson coming out with a new song featuring Chance the Rapper? (BTW, we would be so down for that collab.)
An hour later, NBC’s “The Voice” Instagram account confirmed the coaching news by posting a peace sign emoji tagged with all four artists.
Later that day, Shelton’s bittersweet departure news made waves on Instagram as well.
“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,” the “God’s Country” singer wrote on Instagram. “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,” he continued.
Then Shelton took a quick trip down memory lane, celebrating the “lifelong bonds” he’s made with his Voice family over the years. As fans may remember, he met his now-wife, Gwen Stefani, on the singing competition show. She first joined the coaches’ circle in season 7 and has since come back to coach five more times.
Shelton wrapped up his letter with a nod to all the contestants and fans of the show.
He penned, “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, it’s about y’all, the fans, who watch and support these artists, us coaches and everyone at ‘The Voice’ chasing their dreams. It wouldn’t happen without you!” he said.
Shelton has been a coach on “The Voice” since the show first premiered in 2011.
He’s won eight seasons and holds the record for most seasons won by a coach. To say he and his sarcastic country humor will be missed, would be an understatement.