After 16 seasons on NBC’s hit singing competition, the Maroon 5 frontman, 40, and father of two has decided to leave the show.
Carson Daly, who hostsThe Voice, announced the news Friday morning onToday— saying the “beloved coach and friend” would be missed.
Levine was one of the original coaches who launchedThe Voicewhen it premiered in April 2011, sitting on the show’s iconic red chairs alongsideBlake Shelton,Christina Aguilera, andCeeLo Green. He and Shelton have remained on the show ever since, though other coaches have rotated.
The most current lineup includesJohn LegendandKelly Clarkson, both of whom are returning for season 17.
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Over the course of his 16 seasons, Levine has won the show three times: first in season 1, withJavier Colon, and then again in season 5 (Tessanne Chin) and season 9 (Jordan Smith).
He’s also developed a hilarious frenemy relationship with Shelton, which many credit with part of the show’s success.
“He’ll always be a cherished member ofThe Voicefamily,” Daly, 45, said onToday,praising Levine for “inspiring many of the artists who he worked so closely with over the years” and helping launchThe Voice. “Of course, we wish him nothing but the best.”
Fellow coaches were quick to offer their thoughts via social media.
Clarkson, 37, shared a few sentiments on Twitter, writing, “Found out last night about Adam leavingThe Voice& while I get that he’s been doing the show 4 a while & wants to step away, it will be weird showing up 4 work & he’s not there. To start an amazing show from the ground up is a big deal!”
Close pal Shelton, 42, was having a tough time accepting the news. “Having a hard time wrapping my head around Adam not being at The Voice anymore,” he wrote. “After 16 seasons that changed both of our lives. I only found out about this yesterday and it hasn’t set in on me yet. Gonna miss working with that idiot.”
Stefani, 49, met Shelton when she previously coached back in season 7. She returned to coach season 9 and season 12.
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Shortly after, Levineaddressed his departure directlyin a heartfelt Instagram post.
“About 8 years ago, Mark Burnett convinced us to sign up for this show where you sit in a big red chair with your back turned away from the singers on the stage. First thank you must go to Mark. ❤️ We had no idea what we were doing or where it was going. After the first day of shooting, I sat there, stunned. I said to myself “there’s some magic here. Something is definitely happening.” It went on to be a life shaping experience that will be close to my heart forever. Thank you NBC for signing me up. I am truly honored to have been a part of something I’ll always cherish for the rest of my life,” he wrote.
Levine then sent a special message to his BFF. “And, BLAKE F—IN’ SHELTON. I couldn’t hide my love for you if I tried. Seriously. I tried. Can’t do it. Our friendship is and always will be one for the books. Whatever this whole surreal experience was, I’m just happy I got to experience it with you. You’re my brother for life. Kelly and John, take care of the cowboy and I’m sure I’ll be back to say hi very very soon. So much love to you both.”
Other stars who have sat in the coaching chair over the years have included Alicia Keys, Miley Cyrus, Usher, Shakira, Pharrell Williams and Jennifer Hudson.
Legend, who made his coaching debut onThe Voiceon season 16, ended upwinning the competitionwith his pick: songstress Maelyn Jarmon.
It’s been a busy few years for Levine and his band Maroon 5. The band have been touring their latest album,Red Pill Blues, since May 2018, with the final concert datescurrently scheduled through June 14. In February, the bandperformed at the Super Bowl.
Levine also has a busy personal life. He and wifeBehati Prinsloo have been married for nearly five years,and are dotingparents to two daughters: Dusty Rose, 2½, and Gio Grace, 15 months.
source: people.com
