The Untold Secrets Behind 'The Voice' Coaches: Shocking Exits and Surprising Stories Revealed!
Discover the ever-evolving lineup of 'The Voice' coaches since its 2011 debut Delve into the departures and reasons behind them, as a plethora of renowned artists such as Blake Shelton, Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, and many more have left their mark on the show
When The Voice premiered on NBC in 2011, there was uncertainty regarding yet another singing competition show. However, it quickly gained popularity with Carson Daly as the host and a talented group of coaches determined to discover the next music sensation.
For its inaugural season, the coaches' panel consisted of Blake Shelton, Christina Aguilera, CeeLo Green, and Adam Levine, each bringing their unique expertise to the competition. While Adam Levine emerged as the victor in season 1 with singer Javier Colon, it was Blake Shelton who dominated the next three seasons, claiming victory with Jermaine Paul, Cassadee Pope, and Danielle Bradbery. As a reward, each winner received $100,000 and a record deal with Universal Music Group.
Aguilera and Green decided to take a break during season 4, resulting in Shakira and Usher temporarily filling their seats. However, they made a comeback in season 5 only to leave once again in season 6.
Later on, the renowned singer of "Genie in a Bottle" made a brief appearance as a part-time adviser in season 7. She then returned as a coach for seasons 8 and 10, but officially left the show in 2016. In a later statement, she referred to the show as an "energy sucker" in her life.
"It became something that didn't align with my original expectations from season 1. ... I came to realize that it wasn't solely about the music, but more about creating captivating TV moments and crafting a narrative," she revealed in an interview with Billboard magazine in 2018. "I didn't enter this industry to be a TV show host and be subjected to all these restrictions. ... Especially as a woman: 'You can't wear this, can't say that.' I found myself on the show desperately trying to express myself through my fashion choices, makeup, or hairstyle. It was my only means of self-expression."
Her confession left fans in disbelief. Over the years, several other coaches have come and gone, but only one had a similar impact. At the conclusion of season 16, Levine made a surprising announcement that he would not be returning, following a peculiar performance alongside the other judges at an Upfront presentation in New York City. During that time, he appeared disinterested, a sentiment that caught the attention of both the media and advertisers.
In a 2019 Instagram post, he subtly indicated a harmonious relationship, mentioning that he would soon make a return to greet his followers. However, in 2020, he firmly declined when a fan inquired about his potential comeback. Explore the image gallery below to discover all the past coaches and the reasons behind their departures from the show.
Credit: Trae Patton/NBC (2)
'The Voice' Coaches Through the Years: Looking Back at Who Left and Why
Looking back on its debut in 2011, The Voice on NBC was met with uncertainty as yet another singing competition show. However, it swiftly soared to success, with Carson Daly as the host and a dynamic lineup of coaches, all eager to discover the next big star.
In the inaugural season, Blake Shelton, Christina Aguilera, CeeLo Green, and Adam Levine assumed the roles of coaches, each bringing their unique expertise to the table. While Adam Levine emerged as the winner of season 1 alongside singer Javier Colon, Blake Shelton secured victory for the next three consecutive seasons with Jermaine Paul, Cassadee Pope, and Danielle Bradbery. Each champion was rewarded with a cash prize of $100,000 and a record contract with Universal Music Group.
During season 4, Aguilera and Green took a break from the show, temporarily replaced by Shakira and Usher. However, the original judges returned to their chairs for season 5 before making another exit in season 6.
The singer known for her hit "Genie in a Bottle" made a brief appearance as a part-time adviser on season 7 of the show. She later returned as a coach for seasons 8 and 10, but officially left the show in 2016. In a candid statement, she referred to the show as an "energy sucker" in her life.
In an interview with Billboard magazine in 2018, she expressed her dissatisfaction with the direction the show had taken. She felt that it had veered away from its original focus on music and had become more about creating dramatic television moments and crafting narratives. She also revealed that she didn't enter the entertainment industry to be a television show host and to be subjected to numerous rules. As a female, she felt restricted in terms of what she could wear, say, and express. She often found herself using clothing, makeup, and hair as her only means of self-expression on the show.
Fans were left stunned by her confession. Over the years, numerous other coaches have come and gone, but only one other had a comparable impact. Season 16 concluded with Levine's announcement that he would not be making a comeback, following a questionable performance alongside the other judges at an Upfront presentation in New York City. During that time, he seemed disinterested, a fact that both the media and advertisers picked up on.
In a 2019 Instagram post, he dropped hints that there were no hard feelings, mentioning that he would "be back to say hi very very soon." However, in 2020, when a fan asked if he would return, he responded with a firm "no thank you."
Scroll through the gallery below for all the coaches through the years and why they left the show.
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Credit: Trae Patton/NBC
Blake Shelton
Status: Coached for seasons 1-23
Shelton made the announcement to leave The Voice after serving as a coach for more than a decade. In an October 2022 statement, he expressed that he had been contemplating this decision for some time and concluded that season 23 would be his last. Reflecting on his journey, he acknowledged the profound impact the show had on his life and expressed gratitude towards everyone involved, including NBC, producers, writers, musicians, crew, and catering staff, for their exceptional contributions. Shelton's farewell episode as a country star on The Voice was broadcasted in May 2023.
Credit: Trae Patton/NBC
Christina Aguilera
Status: Coached for seasons 1-3, 5, 8 and 10
Aguilera departed from the show for seasons 6 and 7 in order to spend more time with her family. After her permanent departure, the five-time Grammy winner disclosed to Billboard that she felt a strong desire for freedom following her five-year stint on the show. In a 2018 interview with the magazine, she revealed, "After filming, I would shed everything – the makeup, everything – and would blast hip-hop, or Nirvana, 'Creep,' Slayer. Anything that could help me break free from that zone, that TV mode."
Credit: Trae Patton/NBC
Cee Lo Green
Coaching History: Coached during seasons 1-3 and 5
Reason for Departure: Contrary to speculation that the Gnarls Barkley vocalist departed to evade termination, Green clarified in 2014 that he left the show amicably, as it had transformed into more of a job rather than a passion. He candidly expressed to Us, "It became increasingly demanding, exhausting, and burdensome." Green acknowledged the commitment and perseverance of his fellow coaches, Adam and Blake, who have remained dedicated to the show. However, he believed that his time on the show had naturally reached its conclusion.
Credit: Trae Patton/NBC
Adam Levine
Status: Coached for seasons 1-16
Leaving wasn't a simple decision, according to an exclusive source in 2019. "There has been significant tension among the judges," revealed the insider. While it was his own choice to depart, there was no one pleading for him to stay.
During that same year, the father of two expressed his joy to Ellen DeGeneres, stating, "I am delighted to be able to pause at this moment and dedicate time to my new young family, creating unforgettable memories."
The longtime coach will return to perform on the season 20 finale in May 2021.
Credit: Trae Patton/NBC
Shakira
After coaching for seasons 4 and 6, the "Hips Don't Lie" singer revealed her reason for exiting. In 2013, she spoke to Access Hollywood about her struggle with leaving her nest and her young baby behind. At the time, her son Milan was just 5 months old. Even after returning for another season and welcoming a second child, she ultimately found it too difficult to be away from her children.
Credit: Mark Seliger/NBC
Usher
Status: Coached for seasons 4 and 6
Reason for exit: The artist never spoke out about the reason for his exit but has said that he'd love to return if the opportunity arose.
Credit: Trae Patton/NBC
Gwen Stefani
Coached in multiple seasons, including 7, 9, 12, 17, 19, and 22, the No Doubt singer took a break for four seasons before returning in season 17 to occupy Levine's chair. She made another comeback in season 19 and will be seen once again in the red chairs during season 22, marking her return after marrying Shelton.
Credit: Trae Patton/NBC
Pharrell Williams
Status: Coached for seasons 7-10
"Honestly, I have to prioritize my work. I have an overwhelming amount of tasks to accomplish. While I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and found immense satisfaction in assisting others, it became somewhat addictive," he disclosed during an interview on the Today Show in 2017. "I couldn't satiate my desire to help them, but I must focus on my professional commitments, creating music, and breaking numerous records."
Credit: Trae Patton/NBC
Miley Cyrus
Coaching History: Participated as a coach in seasons 11 and 13
Reason for Departure: Prior to season 14, Cyrus disclosed her lack of intention to come back. However, during an appearance on The Howard Stern Show in 2017, she stated, "This might not be my final season, perhaps ever!"
Credit: Trae Patton/NBC
Alicia Keys
Status: Coached for seasons 11, 12 and 14
Reason for exit: Keys left the show to focus on recording her own music, explaining to Entertainment Tonight in 2018 that it was "time" for a new album.
Credit: Trae Patton/NBC
Jennifer Hudson
Status: Coached for seasons 13 and 15
Reason for exit: Hudson has never spoken out about why she chose to leave the reality show.
Credit: Trae Patton/NBC
Kelly Clarkson
Coached for seasons 14-21 and returned for season 23, still on the show
Credit: Trae Patton/NBC
John Legend
Status: Coached for seasons 16-21, returning for seasons 24 and 25
Credit: Trae Patton/NBC
Nick Jonas
Status: Coached for seasons 18 and 20
Though Jonas hasn't provided an explanation for his departure from the show following season 20, this is not the first time he has chosen to take a break. After stepping in as a coach to replace Gwen Stefani in season 18 of The Voice, the youngest member of the Jonas Brothers took a hiatus during season 19. Although he made a comeback in the following season, it was announced in March 2021 that Ariana Grande would be taking his place for the 21st competition.
Credit: Trae Patton/NBC
Ariana Grande
Neither the REM Beauty entrepreneur nor the Voice production team has provided any clarification regarding her departure from the show for season 21. However, it is worth mentioning that Grande is currently preparing to star in Jon Chu's two-part Wicked movie musical alongside Cynthia Erivo.
Credit: Tyler Golden/NBC
Camila Cabello
Status: Coached for the first time in season 22
Reason for exit: The “Señorita” singer did not disclose her The Voice exit after one season, but she will be replaced by Clarkson, Niall Horan and Chance the Rapper.
Credit: DANIEL DAL ZENNARO/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Niall Horan
Status: Coached (and won!) for the first time on season 23, returning for season 24
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Chance the Rapper
Status: Coached for season 23, returning for season 25
Credit: Greg Gayne/NBC
Reba McEntire
Status: Joining for seasons 24 and 25
Credit: Chelsea Lauren/Shutterstock
Dan + Shay
Status: Joining season 25 as the show's first-ever coaching duo
