NBC may have pulled the trigger a bit too soon on its Season 17 announcement of “The Voice” coaches: Adam Levine is leaving the show, a network spokesman confirmed for TheWrap. Gwen Stefani is set to replace the Maroon 5 frontman on this fall’s run of the hit singing competition.
“The Voice” host Carson Daly first announced the news on this morning’s “Today” show, where he phrased the departure as Levine’s decision.
Watch that below.
After 16 seasons, @adamlevine has decided to leave @NBCTheVoice and @gwenstefani will take his place in the chair for season 17! pic.twitter.com/dpsb0qhqZu
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) May 24, 2019
Levine later confirmed the news in a lengthy Instagram post thanking NBC, the contestants, the production team, his manager, his on-air colleagues, and “Blake f—in’ Shelton.”
Just two weeks ago today, NBC announced to media that Levine would be returning for the fall installment, Season 17, as would Kelly Clarkson, John Legend and Blake Shelton. Perhaps that was a bit hasty.
A spokesperson for Levine did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment on the sudden about-face. NBC declined comment.
Stefani, the lead singer of No Doubt and an even more successful solo artist, has served as a “Voice” coach on three seasons: 7, 9 and 12. She’s also been an advisor twice.
Levine’s departure will make Shelton the longest-tenured coach, and the only one with the program for each run since its 2011 launch.
For fans who will miss the Levine-Shelton rivalry, Stefani vs. Shelton could be extra interesting this time around as the two musicians are dating.
“The Voice” is a presentation of MGM Television, Talpa Media USA Inc., Warner Horizon Unscripted & Alternative Television. The series was created by John de Mol, who serves as executive producer along with John de Mol, Mark Burnett, Audrey Morrissey, Amanda Zucker, Kyra Thompson and Stijn Bakkers.
Read Levine’s exit message on Instagram below.