Blake Shelton To Step Down From NBC's The Voice After 12 Years

Blake Shelton has just announced that The Voice's upcoming 23rd season will be his last. The veteran coach has worked with NBC's hit singing competition show since its beginnings, and left his mark on it in several ways over the years. Recently, he took to Instagram to post the following statement.

In his past 22 seasons as a coach, Shelton has coached a total of eight singers who went on to win the show, including country superstars Cassadee Pope (Season 3) and Danielle Bradbery (Season 4). Every contestant on #TeamBlake received detailed, insightful, and heartfelt advice to holistically improve their craft, a true blessing to any aspiring musician. For twelve years, The Voice comprised a significant part of both Shelton's career and personal life - notably, he first met his wife Gwen Stefani when they both served as coaches. Perhaps, Shelton is best known for his signature "finger point" as he convinces auditionees to join his team on the show.

During his last season, Shelton will work alongside returner Kelly Clarkson, as well as newcomers Niall Horan and Chance The Rapper. The Voice airs on Tuesdays as 8:00 p.m. EST, beginning with the auditions phase. Upon the bittersweet start of the new season, fans can watch Shelton's memorable coaching and backstage antics on the show for the final time. Shelton's departure from The Voice marks the end of an era; the show will not be the same without him.