The Voice has been a consistent hit for NBC ever since it premiered back in 2011, and Adam Levine was one of the few constants to remain on board from the very first episode to the finale of Season 16 earlier this week. Now, with Season 17 already ordered, Levine is officially leaving the series.
The Voice host Carson Daly is the one who made the initial announcement about Levine's departure, but Levine didn't waste time in sharing his own message about leaving, via Instagram. Here's some of what he had to say:
About 8 years ago, Mark Burnett convinced us to sign up for this show where you sit in a big red chair with your back turned away from the singers on the stage. First thank you must go to Mark. We had no idea what we were doing or where it was going. After the first day of shooting, I sat there, stunned. I said to myself “theres some magic here. Something is definitely happening.” It went on to be a life shaping experience that will be close to my heart forever. Thank you NBC for signing me up. I am truly honored to have been a part of something I’ll always cherish for the rest of my life.
Adam Levine credits producer Mark Burnett for talking him and fellow coaches to take a chance on The Voice back in 2011. Although the American version of the show wasn't the first of the franchise, the format was so different from the dominant singing competition series that it's understandable why Levine and Co. might have needed convincing.
It clearly didn't take long for Adam Levine to realize that The Voice had something special. The coaches for Season 1 (through Season 3) were Levine, Blake Shelton, Christian Aguilera, and CeeLo Green. The tone of Levine's farewell is nostalgic rather than bitter, so it seems all but certain that there's no bad blood being left behind. Even Levin's legendary feud with Blake Shelton was mostly for show.
Will the magic continue without Adam Levine? Hopefully, for the sake of the fans! Levine, Blake Shelton, and Carson Daly were the only people in front of the camera who had been on board for the full run of the series through Season 16. Assuming there are no surprise departures from those two, at least fans can count on Shelton and Daly sticking around.
Adam Levine went on in his farewell to thank the performers, the fans, his fellow Season 16 coaches, and especially Blake Shelton:
To the amazingly talented vocalists who competed on the show and blew my mind on a daily basis. And, BLAKE FUCKIN’ SHELTON. I couldn’t hide my love for you if I tried. Seriously. I tried. Can’t do it. Our friendship is and always will be one for the books. Whatever this whole surreal experience was, Im just happy I got to experience it with you. You’re my brother for life. Kelly and John, take care of the cowboy and I’m sure I’ll be back to say hi very very soon. So much love to you both. And lastly, to all of the loyal voice fans, there’s literally no show without you guys. For me, it was time to move on. Your support has meant EVERYTHING. And Lastly, I’d like to thank my manager Jordan for convincing me to take that meeting. What an amazing ride. Thank you all so much.
The feud between the two coaches may have felt a little bit too genuine at times, but there's clearly a lot of love there. Although Adam Levine didn't get into any specifics about what he plans to do next, his statement that "it was time to move on" simply indicates that he's ready to branch out and perhaps try some new things.
Fans can take heart that he already said that he'd be "back to say hi very very soon." At this point, I'm just hoping for a sketch of Adam Levine trying out a bunch of new jobs, only for Blake Shelton to show up at every single one. The Voice certainly doesn't shy away from letting the coaches get silly for sketches, and I think Adam Levine will always be an honorary coach at least.
To see Adam Levine's full Instagram farewell message (as well as the pic he chose to say goodbye), keep on scrolling!
Adam Levine chose the Rolling Stone cover from 2012 that featured the four Season 2 coaches: CeeLo Green, Levine, Christina Aguilera, and Blake Shelton. A lot changed on The Voice since Season 2. At this point, I have to commend Levine for not breaking the news of his departure any sooner than May 24. The Season 16 finale aired on May 21, and an announcement before the finale or even directly after might have taken the spotlight from winner Maelyn Jarmon.
Taking Adam Levine's place in Season 17 will be The Voice alum Gwen Stefani, so fans will at least have a familiar face in his chair when the show returns. Since the next season of The Voice won't premiere until the fall, be sure to take a look at your summer TV options to find some shows to fill the months the temperatures rise.
