Blake Shelton has announced that he will exit The Voice after season 23, and his fellow coach John Legend said that he will be missed. Blake is the only coach who has been with the show since its inception, and Team Blake singers have won the show eight times. The platinum country artist has not only found professional success with the show, but he also met his wife, fellow coach Gwen Stefani, through The Voice. They got married in 2021 after dating for six years. As for John, he and Blake have shared The Voice stage since John joined the show in season 16.
In an interview with ET, John sang Blake's praises as he reacted to him leaving The Voice. He said that Blake has been doing the show for 22 seasons, and he will have completed 23 when he is done, "and you can't do something forever." He added, "We're gonna miss him though. He's been the heart and soul and anchor of the show for a long time, and he's a friend of mine, and I really enjoy working with him." The Voice season 22 coaches, including John, Blake, Gwen, and first-timer Camila Cabello have a great rapport.
Blake Will Be Joined By Two New Coaches For His Final Season On The Voice
The Voice season 22 will be Blake and John's last one together because John will not be a coach on season 23. He explained that his family is growing, as he and wife Chrissy Teigen are expecting another baby. He also has a new album coming out, for which he will do some touring, "so it's probably better that I take a break." However, John promised, "I'll be back on The Voice, just not this coming season." For Blake's final season, he will be joined by returning fan-favorite coach Kelly Clarkson, and two newcomers to the show, Niall Horan and Chance the Rapper.
Blake is known for being sarcastic and funny on The Voice, but, as John said, he truly is the heart and soul of the show. He has used his star power and expertise to launch the careers of the artists on his teams, including winners Cassadee Pope and Danielle Bradbery. He has given so much of himself to the show, but it is time for him to move on. After The Voice, Blake will focus on his music and his family, including Gwen and his three stepsons.
As Blake leaves The Voice, he leaves behind a legacy of great entertainment. He has a knack for recognizing talent in others, and whoever replaces him has big shoes to fill. As his fellow coaches on The Voice, including John, continue to sing his praises, his impact on the show becomes more and more evident. Blake helped to make The Voice what it is today, and he will be missed.
The Voice season 22 airs Mondays and Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.
Source: ET