The Voice Will Return in the Spring, Blake Shelton to DEPART After

Pictured: Blake Shelton — (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)

Four-time Emmy Award-winning musical competition series The Voice returns for a spring cycle with Chance the Rapper, The X Factor UK and One Direction alum Niall Horan and returning coaches Kelly Clarkson and Blake Shelton for season 23. Carson Daly is back as host.

After 7 straight seasons as a coach, John Legend is stepping away. He first sat in the red chair for season 16 in 2019.

However, the HUGE NEWS is that Blake Shelton, the only original remaining The Voice coach will leave the show after the Spring cycle.

After 23 seasons, Blake will bid farewell to his red chair.

Blake has eight wins under his belt, and coached 15 artists whose songs have hit #1 on the iTunes Top Songs chart.

“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,” Blake said in a press statement. “This show has changed my life in every way for the better and it will always feel like home to me.”

Blake adds: “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 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. Lastly, it’s about y’all, the fans, who watch and support these artists, us coaches and everyone at ‘The Voice’ chasing their dreams. It wouldn’t happen without you!”

Blake has said that he would not come and go on The Voice. That when he leaves, it will be the end of the road. 

John Legend leaves, Chance the Rapper enters

Meanwhile, as John Legend steps away, songwriter and record producer Chance the Rapper entrs, bringing a fresh perspective to The Voice as a champion of ownership and creating opportunities for others in the music industry. Chance is lauded by his peers and critics alike for his unique rise to success. Not signed to a major label and instead distributing his music freely via streaming services, his sense of community and social activism are the cornerstone of his artistry.

Chance the Rapper and Vic Mensa recently announced the “Black Star Line Festival” to take place in Accra, Ghana on Jan. 6, 2023.

“I’m thrilled to join The Voice as a coach for the next season,” he said. “I’m excited to help other artists get to the next level and make the most of this life-changing experience. Get ready for #teamchance.”

X Factor alum and former One Direction member Niall Horan joins the The Voice

Niall Horan joins Chance as a new member of The Voice family. Niall brings a plethora of experience to The Voice, including as a talent show contestant, and a massive fan following. A former member of One Direction, known as one of the bestselling boy bands of all time, he has toured the world and played to millions of fans in sold-out stadiums worldwide, including Wembley Arena.

Niall’s two solo albums Heartbreak Weather and 2017’s Flicker, released on Capitol Records, were critically acclaimed. The latter debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in the US and produced the hit singles “This Town” and “Slow Hands.” Fans are eagerly awaiting his next solo project.

“I’m excited to be joining this season of The Voice as a coach,” Niall said “I’m looking forward to meeting and mentoring the new crop of talent while we battle it out with the other teams!”

Kelly Clarkson returns to The Voice

Grammy-winning artist and Emmy Award-winning talk show host Kelly Clarkson is one of the most popular artists of this era, with total worldwide sales of more than 25 million albums and 40 million singles. She returns as a coach on the heels of her season 21 win with sibling trio, Girl Named Tom.

“I am so excited to be back with my Voice family!,” Kelly said. “Let’s do this, Team Kelly!” Kelly took the spring 2022 cycle off to co-host the one season and done American Song Contest on NBC and also to spend more time with her kids in the summer when The Voice tapes the fall cycle.

The Voice 22 Battles with current coaches Camila Cabello, John Legend, Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton, kick off Tuesday, Oct.11 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.

About mj santilli 34829 Articles
Founder and editor of mjsbigblog.com, home of the awesomest fan community on the net. I love cheesy singing shows of all kinds, whether reality or scripted. I adore American Idol, but also love The Voice, Glee, X Factor and more!