In the end, it was just time. After 16 seasons as an entertaining, talented and devilishly handsome coach on The Voice, Adam Levine has decided to hang up his red chair. Carson Daly confirmed on Friday morning that the Maroon 5 frontman is leaving this beloved NBC competition. Insiders say the singer was annoyed by the rule change this season that did NOT guarantee at least one performer from each coach’s squad advance to the Live Playoffs — and was also irritated he didn’t have a member in the finals. He didn’t hide this irritation, either, when singing with very little passion in front of potential advertisers in New York City at the NBC Upfront Presentation on May 13. Such a lethargic performance sparked anger among network higher-ups, some of whom TV Line claims wanted Levine fired immediately. Instead, both sides appear to have arrived at a mutual decision that Levine’s time on the program had finally come to an end. Levine paid tribute to his lengthy run on the series via a lengthy Instagram caption this afternoon. “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,” he said to open a message that accompanied an old Rolling Stone cover. “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 ‘Theres [sic] 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.” After doling out praise to some of the folks behind the scenes at The Voice, as well as host Carson Daly, Levine went on to single out this past season’s panelists. He started, of course, with the other half of television’s favorite bromance. Thank you to the people behind the scenes who do the real work and make this machine hum. To the amazingly talented vocalists who competed on the show and blew my mind on a daily basis. And, BLAKE F—KIN’ 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 [sic] 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. And lastly, to all of the loyal [V]oice 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 for who will be taking Levine’s spot? Former coach and ongoing Blake Shelton lover Gwen Stefani has landed the gig. She has previously been a chair-sitter on the show across three separate seasons, but no Team Stefani team member has ever captured The Voice crown. Will that change on Season 17? Tune in to find out!
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Adam Levine Bids Very Fond Farewell to The Voice, Curses Off Blake Shelton
