Blake Shelton has announced that Season 23 of The Voice will be his last on the show. (NBC Photo)
Blake Shelton plans to leave The Voice after Season 23 next spring.
And that season of the show will also featured two brand new coaches, The Voice announced Tuesday.
Kelly Clarkson will be returning to the show in the spring, joined by Blake for a final season in one of those big red chairs.
They’ll be joined by former One Direction member Niall Horan and Chance the Rapper, who won three Grammys for his 2016 mixtape “Coloring Book.”
Here’s what Blake had to say about his decision in a prepared statement.
“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,” he added. “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 who are chasing their dreams. It would not happen without you!”
Blake is the only original coach still on the show. In Season 1, he sat alongside Adam Levine, Christina Aguilera and CeeLo Green.
He’s also become the focal point of much of the banter that goes on between the coaches. And a coach known for his willingness to help artists in their post-Voice musical pursuits.
Then, of course, there are his eight wins on the show, six of which came in the show’s first 13 seasons.
Needless to say, the show won’t be the same without him.
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