Photo: NBC
Blake Shelton will turn his big red chair around for the final time next season.
The longtime coach announced on social media Tuesday (October 11) he would not be returning to The Voice after next season. Blake, who is in his 22nd season as a coach, is the only judge to have been on the reality singing competition since its conception. He's also the winningest coach, having a singer on his team who went on to win the competition eight times.
"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 wrote. "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!" Shelton added.
The "God's Country" singer went on to show praise to the singers on the show "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."
The coaches who will see Shelton off in Season 23 of The Voice are Chance the Rapper, Kelly Clarkson and Niall Horan.
Watch The Voice on Mondays and Tuesdays at 7 p.m. CT on NBC.