The Voice renewed for season 23, Blake Shelton to exit

Many changes are coming up for NBC’s The Voice ahead of its 2023 season! The singing competition series has earned itself a season 23 renewal at the network, and with it comes new judges. One beloved coach will also be saying his goodbyes following the next round of competition.

NBC announced Grammy-Award winning artist, songwriter, and record producer Chance The Rapper will be taking a seat in one of the big red chairs. Another fresh face to join him in season 23 is singer, songwriter, and former One Direction member Niall Horan!

Returning in spring 2023 is Kelly Clarkson, who handed the reins over to new judge Camila Cabello this year. And of course, we can’t have The Voice without the OG man himself, Blake Shelton! Though he will be in season 23, the time for farewells will follow.

Is Blake Shelton leaving The Voice?

Numerous coaches have come and gone over the seasons on The Voice, but one constant on the judge’s panel was always Blake Shelton. The country artist has participated in every single season. Now, that’s going to change.

The network announced that following next year’s season, Shelton will bid farewell to his red chair. So far, he has had eight wins overall, and coached 15 artists whose songs have hit #1 on the iTunes Top Songs chart.

Here’s what the country singer said in a statement released by NBC:

"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 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!"

Shelton was one of the four original coaches when the series first premiered in 2011. The show started out with Christina Aguilera, CeeLo Green, and Adam Levine by his side.

The Voice journey has been a special one overall for Shelton, especially because he bonded with his wife, Stefani, on The Voice season 9. That’s when she took a seat in the revolving chair for the second time, following her first foray in season 7. The couple got married on July 3, 2021.

What do you think about this news? Are you sad Blake Shelton is leaving? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

The Voice airs Mondays and Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC. Episodes are available to stream the next day they air on Peacock.