Blake Shelton To Depart ‘The Voice’ After 23 Seasons – Fellow Musicians Throw Support Behind Him

On Tuesday night, country music star Blake Shelton made the shocking announcement that he will be leaving The Voice after  11 years and 23 seasons serving as a coach on NBC’s popular reality television. Following the announcement, Shelton’s fellow country music stars have been reaching out to throw their full support behind him.

Shelton Leaving ‘The Voice’

“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,” Shelton said in a statement posted to social media. “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,” he continued. “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!”

Daily Mail reported that Shelton met his wife Stefani when they were both working on the singing reality series back in 2014. They began dating the next year and got married in 2021.

Related: Gwen Stefani Calls Marrying Blake Shelton ‘Greatest Thing To Ever Happen To Me’

Shelton Thanks Contestants And Fans

Shelton went on to give thanks to the many contestants who have appeared on The Voice over the years.

“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,” he said.

“Lastly, it’s about y’all, the fans, who watch and support these artists, us coaches, and everyone at ‘The Voice‘ who are chasing their dreams. It would not happen without you!” Shelton concluded.

Shelton has been a coach on the popular reality series since its debut back in 2011, with Christina Aguilera, CeeLo Green, and Adam Levine as his fellow coaches. Unlike other coaches, Shelton is the only one who has stuck with The Voice throughout its entirety, so fans will undoubtedly dearly miss him when he is absent from the series.

Related: Blake Shelton Reveals How His Own Father Inspired Him To Be A Better Stepdad To Gwen Stefani’s Three Sons

Country Music Stars Offer Support

In the wake of Shelton posting this announcement, his fellow country music stars were quick to voice their support for him in the comments section on Facebook.

“Hey buddy,” wrote singer Neal McCoy. “We loved you before ‘The Voice,’ we’ll love you after!”

“Love you lots brother,” commented The Swon Brothers. “You’ve changed a lot of lives and kept people smiling the last 12. God bless Blake Shelton.”

Sundance Head, who won season 11 of The Voice in 2016 while on Shelton’s team, also commented on his announcement. 

“You changed my life forever brother,” Head wrote. “The show won’t be the same without you but know it’s much needed time off! Love ya and thank you for not only turning your chair and helping me get through the show to the end but for also taking me on tour. It was an honor. Forever grateful.”

Stefani Responds To Shelton’s Announcement 

Over on Instagram, Shelton’s beloved wife Stefani voiced her support for him.

“I am so proud of you and so blessed to have found you,” she wrote. “Your talent brings joy to the hearts of so many people and I am so lucky to be part of your life’s journey.”

Throughout his time on The Voice, Shelton has brought joy to millions of fans, and he played a huge role in making the program as popular as it is today. While we will miss Shelton on The Voice, he certainly deserves a break from television, and we can’t wait to see where his career takes him next!