"Hips Don't Lie" singer Shakira and R&B star Usher have signed on as coaches for NBC's hit singing competition "The Voice," the network said Monday.
Shakira and Usher will replace Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Green, who are taking time off to fulfill other commitments.
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Country singer Blake Shelton and Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine will remain on as coaches for the next cycle of "The Voice," which will be the series' fourth.
Aguilera will step aside in order to focus on her upcoming album and tour, while Green is also working on new music, plus a scripted comedy series based on his own life for NBC.
The third cycle of "The Voice" premiered last week, beating out the season premiere of Fox's rival singing competition "The X Factor" in head-to-head competition in the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demographic.
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“We are thrilled to welcome Usher and Shakira to 'The Voice.' The addition of these popular iconic artists continues the tradition established by Christina, Cee Lo, Adam and Blake,” NBC Entertainment chairman Robert Greenblatt said of the new additions. “Doing two back-to-back cycles of this show requires a tremendous amount of time, and we are happy to accommodate the commitments made by Christina and Cee Lo. The participants on our show benefit from our coaches’ expertise and their continued success in the music business allows for significant new contributions to the contestants when they return.”
“Being a coach on ‘The Voice’ is a wonderful experience and the relationship amongst us all is like an extended family,” Aguilera added. “Since this year NBC and ‘The Voice’ have decided to tape back-to-back seasons, requiring a full-year commitment, it is important for me to take season four off, allowing me to support my music that my fans have been waiting for — with the release of my new album ‘Lotus’ on November 13. By pursuing my first passion of music during the break, I am also able to come back and offer even more to my team on ‘The Voice’ in the future.”
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Green likewise vowed to come back when he's fulfilled his other duties, which include an upcoming Las Vegas residency, Loberace, which was put on the back burner due to production obligations on "The Voice."
"I will return for season five and will be watching season four. NBC is home and as far as Usher and Shakira are concerned – ‘mi casa su casa,’” Green said.
Green also has albums coming up both as a solo artist and his group The Goodie Mob, as well as a memoir.