The Voice’s Adam Levine admits ‘it’s about time’ as Blake Shelton exits after 23 seasons | TV & Radio | Showbiz & TV

Blake Shelton was one of the first vocal coaches to join NBC’s popular singing competition when it first started in 2011. Despite a rotating roster of judges, the country star is the only professional to have stayed on for all 23 seasons since then, and his former co-star on The Voice Adam Levine joked his departure was long overdue.

The Maroon 5 frontman quipped “it’s about time!” when he was asked about Shelton’s exit.

Levine is also one of The Voice’s most long-running judges and was asked about his former co-star at this year’s Vanity Fair Oscar Party.

Having left the series himself after season 16 in 2019, he wasn’t too cut up about his fellow coach bowing out when prodded by Entertainment Tonight.

As two of the original judges on the show, Levine and now Shelton’s exits have left a gap to be filled by any number of celebrity panellists in the next season.

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“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 of my fellow coaches over the years, including my wife, Gwen Stefani!”

“I have to give a huge shoutout 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.” (sic)

Shelton’s current co-stars for the season were announced shortly afterwards, though it’s unknown who’ll be replacing him when the show returns later this year.

In the latest preview for the series, fans saw Shelton press his buzzer for the very last time in the final stage of blind auditions.

“I’m never pushing that again! Get it out of here, get it off of here. For the last time, my team is full,” he exclaimed.