HE’S appeared in every season of The Voice since the show kicked off in 2011.
But season 23 will be Blake Shelton‘s last after the judge announced he won’t be returning.
Blake Shelton announced he will leave The Voice after season 23Getty Images – Getty
Is Blake Shelton leaving The Voice?
In October 2022, Blake Shelton confirmed that season 23 of The Voice will be his last.
The country singer is the last of the show’s coaches to appear on every edition since the series premiered in 2011.
Chance The Rapper and former One Direction member Niall Horan will join Kelly Clarkson, in her ninth season.
Host Carson Daly will continue in his role as host which he has held for all seasons so far.
What has Blake Shelton said about leaving The Voice?
In a statement, Shelton said it felt like the right time to move on.
He said: “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.
“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.
“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 shout out 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!”
What have fans said about Blake Shelton leaving The Voice?
Fans of the show have previously shared their distress at the thought of Blake leaving the show.
Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC via Getty Images – GettyRumors have spread about Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani’s marriage[/caption]
One person wrote: “The Voice is unquestionably the best competition show.
“When Adam Levine left the show, I mourned; but if Blake Shelton leaves, I’ll stop watching. HE is The Voice!”
A second one commented: “Blake Shelton is the best thing that ever happen on The Voice, wouldn’t watch it if he leaves.”
And a third one shared: “Please don’t leave The Voice, Blake! It would be boring without you! You make the show!”
There has also been speculation on why the star is leaving, with rumors spreading about alleged drama taking place behind the scenes of the show.
A source told Radar: “He’s been suffering from burnout.
“He loves being the star of The Voice, but there’s so much drama going on behind the scenes — allegations of racism last season, competing with other coaches over singers, backstabbing, and the tight filming schedule combined with his tour dates — it just all became overwhelming for him.”
There are also rumors about alleged marriage troubles between Blake and Gwen Stefani.
Another source told the outlet: “When they started dating, they couldn’t keep their hands off each other.
“But the spark started disappearing after their wedding. It seems like they argue constantly now — they’ve even slept in separate bedrooms after particularly bad fights.
“Friends are worried Gwen and Blake are falling out of love.”
However, these rumors have not been confirmed.
