Blake Shelton is returning to The Voice, but just for one night. The Oklahoma native, who served as a coach on The Voice for the first 23 seasons, will return for the season finale on Tuesday, May 21, part of an all-star cast of performers that will also include his wife, Gwen Stefani, plus Kelly Clarkson, CeeLo Green, Niall Horan, Jennifer Hudson, Nick Jonas, Adam Levine, as a celebration of 25 seasons of the hit TV show.
Shelton was part of The Voice from its inaugural season in 2011 until Season 23 in 2023, which marked his final season.
“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 next season,” Shelton said in the fall of 2022, announcing his final season. “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.”
“I’ve made lifelong bonds with Carson [Daly] and every single one [of] my fellow coaches over the years, including my wife Gwen Stefani!” he continued. “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.”
Although no longer part of the reality TV talent show, the Oklahoma native is grateful for his time on The Voice, especially since it led him to Stefani. Ironically, it’s Stefani and her three sons who also inspired him to leave The Voice.
“If I walked away from my career at this time, the only thing that I run the risk of is having regrets that I’m missing out on some more important things in life,” Shelton told People. “For now, that’s our kids. This isn’t about me anymore and never will be again.
“Even though I’m a stepparent, I take that job very seriously,” he added. “The kids see me as a very important person in their life. [When they ask], ‘Why isn’t Blake here?’ I take that stuff to heart. I’ve made plenty of money, but you can’t buy time back. I don’t want any regrets.”
Reba McEntire, who was originally offered the position before Shelton, took his place for Season 24. She is also serving as a coach for Season 25, and just announced she will return for Season 26, along with Stefani. and newcomers Snoop Dogg and Michael Bublé.
Shelton and Stefani will also perform at the 2024 ACM Awards. The Season 25 finale of The Voice will air on May 21 at 8;00 PM ET on NBC.