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Why Is Blake Shelton Leaving ‘The Voice’? His Departure Details and Whether He Will Return
An end of an era. Blake Shelton announced his departure from The Voice after he completes his 23rd season on the hit singing competition show. But why is he leaving? Keep scrolling below to find out everything we know.
Gwen Stefani ‘Totally’ Stands Behind Blake’s Decision
An insider tells In Touch that the “Nobody But You” artist has the full support of his wife amid his announcement that he’s leaving the long-running competition show – which he’s been on since it premiered more than a decade ago.
“Gwen never thought he’d give up his chair on The Voice, but she totally supports his decision,” the source tells In Touch.
Blake Shelton Announces His Departure From ‘The Voice’
“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 country crooner wrote in a lengthy Instagram statement on Tuesday, October 11. “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, “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 Oklahoma native added. “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!”
Will Blake Shelton Consider Returning to ‘The Voice?’
While his days as a judge are done, the “God’s Country” singer says he would return to the show under one condition. “Oh my god, I’d be honored to be Gwen’s mentor,” Blake told Entertainment Tonight after his last show, the December 13, 2022, finale. “Whatever she tells me to do, I’m gonna do,” he added.
Why Is Blake Shelton Leaving ‘The Voice’?
While the “God’s Country” singer’s statement didn’t fully elaborate, a source tells In Touch that although “Blake loves The Voice,” he’s “ready for some new adventures.”
“It was a painful decision because he truly enjoys meeting and working with new talent, but he says 12 years and 23 seasons is a long time,” the source says. “He’s ready to shake things up. Blake wants to work on other projects, like his new game show with Carson Daly, but mostly he wants to spend more time with Gwen and the kids. The boys are growing up so fast and he wants to take advantage of this time before they all head off to school and their own adventures.”
The insider also tells In Touch that Blake is writing new music and “wants to collaborate with friends and of course, his wife” and has a “few projects in the works.” Additionally, the source says the Grammy Award nominee is “looking forward to spending more time on his farm.”
Blake revealed that he almost left The Voice in 2020, but felt the responsibility to remain with the program amid the COVID-19 pandemic. “I think I was close to calling it a day right when COVID hit,” the “Came Here to Forget” singer told NBC’s Today in a February 27, 2023, interview.
“And then, because of COVID, I didn’t want to walk away from the show and leave everybody in a bind. I mean, this show changed my life. I’ll stay here until the world kind of gets back to normal again,” the Oklahoma native continued.
“When I came on as a coach on this show, I mean, everything in my life was turned upside down,” Blake explained. “And in a good way, you know? This has been incredible, but it’s time, you know. It’s time for what’s next. A little bit of nothing would be nice.”
When Did Blake Shelton Join ‘The Voice’?
Blake has been a judge on the singing competition series since it premiered in 2011. Since then, Blake has mentored countless music artists through their journeys on the NBC show and Team Blake has won nine out of the 23 seasons so far. His season 2 winner was Jermaine Paul, his season 3 winner was Cassadee Pope, his season 4 winner was Danielle Bradbery, his season 7 winner was Craig Wayne Boyd, his season 11 winner was Sundance Head, his season 13 winner was Chloe Kohanski, his season 18 winner was Todd Tilghman, and his season 20 winner was Cam Anthony. His season 23 champ was Bryce Leatherwood.
How Much Is Blake Shelton’s Salary on ‘The Voice’?
While it’s unclear how much money Blake made for his earlier seasons on The Voice, his salary was revealed around the time season 10 was airing. According to The Wrap, the “Happy Anywhere” singer made about $13 million per season in 2016. Since The Voice aired two seasons per year from 2011 to 2022, that means that as of 2016, he was making $26 million a year. It’s possible that Blake could have gotten a pay raise since then. The show since switched to a one season per year cycle in 2022.
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