jonh legend blake shelton the voice friendship departure© Photo: Getty Images

John Legend opens up about Blake Shelton's decision to leave The Voice

The current season is the last they'll do together

Beatriz Colon - New York
New York WriterNew York
October 16, 2022

Fans of The Voice were shocked to learn on Wednesday that the show they have watched for over ten years, and for twenty-two seasons, won't be the same for its new seasons to come.

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Its only remaining founding member on the judge panel, Blake Shelton, announced with a heartfelt statement that he would be officially leaving the show after season twenty-three.

Now, as the new batch of judges prepare for the upcoming season, John Legend is admitting how different the show will be without the country singer by his side.

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Speaking with Entertainment Tonight, the singer opened up about his co-star's decision to leave, admitting that while he'll miss him, he understands it.

"He's been doing the show for 22 seasons, it'll be 23 when he's done, and you can't do something forever," he said.

However, he maintained: "We're going to miss him though, he has been the heart and the anchor and the soul of the show for a long time.

blake shelton the voice john legend© Photo: Getty Images

The new panel of judges for the 23rd season includes Niall Horan, Chance the Rapper, Kelly Clarkson, and Blake

"He's a friend of mine and I really enjoy working with him," he endearingly expressed, adding: "We're all going to miss him."

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In his statement, Blake wrote that The Voice had changed his life in so many ways, including giving him the opportunity to meet and get to know his wife, Gwen Stefani. 

Blake's statement

Gwen responded to his news with: "I am so proud of you and so blessed to have found u. Your talent brings joy to the hearts of so many people and I am so lucky to be part of ur life's journey."

Unfortunately for Blake and John, they didn't get to do the country singer's last season together, as John skipped it to focus on his growing family with Chrissy Teigen and his new album. He said: 'My family's growing, I have a new album out, I'm going to do a little bit of touring, so it's probably better that I take a break."

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