Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images
On Friday, May 24, The Voice host Carson Daly had a surprising announcement for fans of the series: Adam Levine was leaving after 16 seasons.
Following the shocking news that Levine was exiting the series ahead of season 17 and will be replaced by former coach Gwen Stefani, the Maroon 5 singer took to his Instagram to share lengthy and emotional post about his decision to leave.
Levine posted a photo of the original four coaches of The Voice from the cover of Rolling Stone’s February 2012 issue during the show’s second season, along with a message for fans who are sad to see him go.
“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,” Levine began. “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 “theres 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. Thank you to every single coach I ever sat in those chairs with. That is shared experience that is singularly ours. We have that for life.”
He continued, ” Thank you to everyone who supported this long strange and amazing left turn into a place I never thought I’d go. Thank you Carson Daly for babysitting the musicians and making sure our shoes were tied and we had our lunch boxes. You are the backbone of this thing and we appreciate you more than you know. Audrey, thank you for being perhaps the most patient person in all the free world. 4 musicians all at once is a lot. Sainthood is imminent. Thank you to Paul Mirkovich and the band for their ridiculously hard work and learning more songs than maybe any band ever.”
He added thanks to those behind the scenes and the show’s many contestants before giving a special shoutout to his co-coach Blake Shelton: “And, BLAKE FUCKIN’ 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, Im 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.”
Levine concluded with a message to the show’s dedicated fans, writing, “And lastly, to all of the loyal voice fans, there’s literally no show without you guys. For me, it was time to move on. Your support has meant EVERYTHING. And Lastly, I’d like to thank my manager Jordan for convincing me to take that meeting. What an amazing ride. Thank you all so much.”
As previously reported, Daly shared the news of Levine’s exit, saying during the Today show’s Pop Start segment, “After 16 seasons, Adam Levine, our beloved coach and friend, has decided to leave The Voice.” Daly also confirmed that Stefani would be replacing him in season 17, ” I’m happy to share this morning that Gwen Stefani will be returning for season 17. Gwen has sat in the chair before. She met her current boyfriend, Blake Shelton, through the show and we’re looking forward to having Gwen back.”
There is no denying that Levine’s friendship with Blake Shelton was one of the highlights of the series, and in response to the news that Levine wouldn’t be returning Blake Shelton shared a message on Twitter, writing, “Having a hard time wrapping my head around @adamlevine not being at @NBCTheVoice anymore. After 16 seasons that changed both of ours lives. I only found out about this yesterday and it hasn’t set in on me yet. Gonna miss working with that idiot.”
The news was additionally surprising because earlier this month, Levine retweeted a tweet from The Voice‘s account announcing that all four season 16 coaches would be returning for season 17. “A group of Coaches so good we need an encore. This iconic squad is returning to #TheVoice next season,” the tweet states alongside a photo of the four coaches John Legend, Blake Shelton, Adam Levine and Kelly Clarkson.
It is still unclear what changed Levine’s mind about continuing on with season 17.