After more than a decade of gracing television screens across America, country singer and hilarious coach Blake Shelton has announced his departure from the singing competition show after the upcoming 23rd season, putting an end to his presence on the stage that has sheltered the country coach since 2011. Working on the show from its very first day, Shelton became the face and symbol of the series that birthed some of the biggest stars of our present day, including Jordan Smith and Koryn Hawthorne.
During the 12 years spent as a coach and judge in The Voice, Shelton has won the show a total of nine teams, leading the nine victors to a record deal with Republic Records as the prize. As the coach with the longest tenure, Shelton has seen numerous familiar faces in the industry come and go as coaches, including his own wife Gwen Stefani, who left the show right before her beau. Stefani joined The Voice as a judge in 2014, where she worked alongside Shelton until 2022. Neither Shelton, nor Stefani will go on with The Voice, and here’s why.
Is Blake Shelton leaving The Voice?
Back in October, the 46-year-old singer announced his intention to leave the show, and what started off as just speculation, finally has become a reality. At the time, Shelton simply posted a cryptic announcement where he thanked the cast and crew of The Voice for their unwavering passion for the show, as well as their dedication to Shelton for the past few years. While that appeared to have been true at the time, the coach may no longer cherish the behind-the-scenes so much. According to Radar Insider, Shelton appears to have been frustrated with some of the shenanigans happening among the crew and cast members.
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.
This frustration, allegedly, derives from the debacle semifinal that took place in the latest season. The eight semifinalists were split into the top four that automatically moved on to the finale, while the remaining four would have to compete for the fifth and final spots. While this may appear harmless, The Voice was immediately the target of criticism when the audience noticed that the top vote-getters were white, while the four singers competing were all people of color. Coincidentally, Shelton sheltered three artists in the top 4 groups.
Gwen Stefani is also leaving the show… and the marriage?
Perhaps unrelated to Shelton’s departure, the singer seems to be having trouble in paradise with his wife and ex-coach, Stefani. Rumor has it, the cheery and gloating couple is not so happy no more after some observers noted the two appeared “miserable,” at the NASCAR’s Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum in Los Angeles. Apparently, a source close to the duo also claimed their relationship must be in the waters.
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.
While their marital problems may be unrelated to Shelton’s departure, it appears as though the duo has also been struggling with a “clash of egos,” while on the set of The Voice, after Shelton has had undeniable fame among audiences, allegedly sparking some jealousy from Stefani, who may not be as content to share the spotlight with her husband. Despite her immense popularity as the “Hollaback Girl,” like any pop star, Stefani may not appreciate being overshadowed, even by her own beau.
[They] played it sweet for the cameras as when they were both coaches, but behind the scenes, there was sometimes a clash of egos. He would often get all the attention. And that would hit a nerve — she was jealous.
We may never get a confirmation of Shelton’s departure, but one thing’s for certain: 12 years is a long time tied to the same job. Regarding Shelton and Stefani, the duo may just be going through some rough times, but so far, nothing but rumors have been flowing on the internet.
The Voice will continue on to its 23rd season with Shelton for his last season, accompanied by ex-coach Kelly Clarkson, former One Direction member Niall Horan and Chance the Rapper.
