Gwen Stefani ‘Wasn’t Ready’ For Blake Shelton To Leave ‘The Voice’ – ‘I Feel Sorry For Everybody’

Earlier this month, we reported that Blake Shelton had announced that he will be leaving “The Voice” after the upcoming 23rd season, which will premiere in the spring of 2023. Now, Shelton’s wife Gwen Stefani is speaking out to reveal why she feels “sorry” for fans of “The Voice” over her husband’s exit from the show.

‘I Feel Sorry For Everybody’

“He’s brought so much joy. He’s so talented,” Stefani told Entertainment Tonight. “I know people just wait around to laugh and watch him on TV, so I feel sorry for everybody [that] he’s gonna be gone.”

“It’s so weird Blake Shelton is leaving ‘The Voice.’ I wasn’t ready, you know what I mean? I have to figure out who this new Blake’s gonna be,” she continued. “I’m just so proud of him.”

Watch Stefani’s full comments on this in the video below.

For his next venture, Shelton is set to team up with “The Voice” host Carson Daly on their new show “Barmageddon,” in which celebrity friends will compete in various bar games. Shelton and Daly will each star in and executive produce the series, which is set to premiere on December 5 on the USA Network.

“I’m gonna be on one of the [episodes]. I think I was his guinea pig,” Stefani joked of the show. “I was the first episode, me and Sheryl Crow. It’s a fun show. [It’s] completely different from ‘The Voice.’ I mean, it’s literally just people hanging out and doing games in a bar, so right up Blake’s alley.”

Watch a trailer for this show in the video below.

Related: Camila Cabello Gets Booed After Disrespecting Blake Shelton On ‘The Voice’ – ‘You’re Right For The First Time Ever’

Stefani made these comments while on the red carpet at The 2022 Matrix Awards in New York City, an event that Shelton accompanied her to. 

“I’m so happy he’s here,” she said. “He works so much that having him do this extra is always a lot, but we had a date night last night. We went out for dinner [and] it was so fun. It’s just so fun to be back in New York. It’s just been so long. It’s exciting to have him here as well.”

Watch Shelton present Stefani with her award below.

Shelton Leaving ‘The Voice’

Shelton announced earlier this month that he would be leaving “The Voice,” which he’s been a coach on since the NBC reality show premiered back in 2011. 

“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,” he said at the time, according to NBC News. “This show has changed my life in every way for the better and it will always feel like home to me.”

Shelton went on to joke that it takes lots of “adult beverages” for him to film to film two live shows every week. 

“ I’ve made lifelong bonds with Carson and every single one my fellow coaches over the years, including my wife, Gwen Stefani!” he added. “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.”

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

‘It’s Been A Hell Of A Ride’

“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,” Shelton continued.

“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 concluded. 

While fans will miss Shelton on “The Voice,” his next project with Daly looks like it’ll be lots of fun, so Stefani shouldn’t feel too sorry for us! Hopefully, Shelton leaving “The Voice” will also give him and Stefani more time to spend together, because they seem more in love than ever.