Why Did Blake Shelton Quit The Voice?
Blake Shelton left The Voice after 23 seasons to focus on family, his music career, and a slower pace of life. Here are the key reasons behind his departure:
- Family Priorities: After marrying Gwen Stefani on July 3, 2021, Shelton wanted to spend more time with his family, including being a stepdad to her three sons.
- Music Career Focus: Shelton decided to return to his country music roots and dedicate more time to recording music and touring, such as his Back to the Honky Tonk Tour that started in February 2024.
- Desire for a Slower Pace: Shelton expressed a desire to step away from the fast-paced entertainment industry and prioritize relaxation and personal time.
The Real Reason Blake Shelton Left The Voice
- Family Comes First
Blake Shelton’s commitment to his family played a major role in his decision to step down. After his marriage to Gwen Stefani, he became a stepdad to her three children. Shelton revealed that his priorities had shifted, and he wanted to be more present for his family rather than devote time to the demanding schedule of The Voice.
In an interview, he said:
“If I walked away from my career right now, the only thing I run the risk of is having regrets that I’m missing out on some more important things in life—our kids. This isn’t about me anymore and never will be again.”
- The Voice Was Too Time-Consuming
Shelton had been an original coach on The Voice since its premiere on April 26, 2011. The show’s filming schedule required intense commitment, with two seasons filmed each year. Over time, the workload became overwhelming.
Shelton admitted that coaching on The Voice required a “150% commitment,” and he no longer had the energy to give to the show.
- Refocusing on His Music Career
For years, Shelton balanced his role as a coach with recording music and touring. However, after more than a decade on the show, he decided to return to his roots as a country music artist. He wanted to focus on creating new music and touring, such as his Back to the Honky Tonk Tour, which started in February 2024. Shelton has also enjoyed spending quality time with his family on his Oklahoma ranch.
- A Desire for a Slower Pace of Life
Shelton also expressed that he was ready to step back from the entertainment industry’s fast pace. As he put it:
“Gwen and I have done so much traveling and touring and work in the first half of our lives that now we’re like, ‘Hey, I’m good to put my sweatpants on at 6 p.m. and watch Ozark eight times.’”
This shift in perspective led him to prioritize relaxation, family time, and personal projects over the rigorous demands of TV.
Did Blake Shelton Return to The Voice?
Although Blake Shelton officially left his coaching role at the end of Season 23 in May 2023, he made a surprise appearance during the Season 27 premiere in September 2024—not in person, but through pre-recorded clips played by new coach Kelsea Ballerini, where he humorously trolled Adam Levine.
Will Blake Shelton Ever Return to The Voice?
While Shelton hasn’t ruled out guest appearances, he has made it clear that he’s happy with his decision to leave. For now, fans can catch him on his Back to the Honky Tonk Tour or follow his new music projects.
Although The Voice won’t be the same without him, Blake Shelton’s legacy as a coach remains unmatched!