After six seasons on NBC’s megahit singing competition show, The Voice, original judge Cee Lo Green is packing up his sparkly tops and pettable cat for good. Announcing it on Ellen DeGeneres’ talk show, the Goodie Mob singer revealed he would not be returning to the show as a judge after this forthcoming season.
“I didn’t mean to drop the bomb today,” the singer stated. But he did, stating “I’m not coming back at all” to a surprised DeGeneres during an interview with Lionel Richie. Speaking as to why he’s decided now is the time, Green mentioned his own lack of musical creation in the years since starting on the series, “I don’t want to wear out my welcome. I have so many other things I want to do — I haven’t released an album in four years.”
Considering our own stance the show's increasing presence on TV, the turn is not a surprise one. Green, as well as fellow judge Christina Aguilera have taken two breaks from the series — the fourth and upcoming sixth cycles — with Usher and Shakira setting up shop alongside Blake Shelton and Adam Levine in their place. Shelton and Levine have stayed on for every cycle, though the option to take breaks is also available to them.
Still, the relationship between Green and the network is an amicable one — likely because of the series' search for talent over gimmick — as he also has an overall deal with NBC that’s still in tact.
In a statement regarding Green’s announcement, NBC’s reality TV head, Paul Telegdy stated: “CeeLo Green has been an instrumental part of the success of The Voice and we deeply appreciate all his contributions. We’re looking forward to working with him on other upcoming projects that will tap into both his musical and entertainment expertise.”
“I’m officially announcing today that I won’t be returning as a coach on The Voice cycle 7 in the Fall,” Green stated in his own official release. “There are numerous reasons that led to this decision, which has been amicably reached with NBC, but I’m excited to be developing several other ideas with the network and my association with NBC remains strong. The Voice has been an immensely enjoyable experience for me and I can only hope I have enriched the lives of our viewers, the contestants, and the many friends I made there. I will always be there in spirit.”
The singer went on to explain the myriad ways in which the relationship continues: “Meanwhile, NBC and I plan to continue our relationship with several new co-ventures including a new music show, while we also explore our ideas for me to create and host a new show of my own. I will not go quietly into the night… expect more great music and entertainment done in my own unique unmistakable and undeniable way. And The Voice has given me all the altitude and incentive to do just that. Thanks for the memories and make way for many more!”
