'The Voice' Winners React to Blake Shelton News After Shock Lineup Change

Film & TV Reporter

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Previous winners of The Voice have reacted to the news that Blake Shelton is leaving, following the confirmation that the star is exiting his role as a coach.

The singer, who has appeared on the NBC show since it began in 2011, announced on October 11 that Season 23 of the singing competition, set to air in early 2023, will be his last.

The Voice is currently in the midst of its 22nd installment and features Shelton, Gwen Stefani, John Legend and former Fifth Harmony singer Camila Cabello as coaches.

Following Shelton's shock news, Newsweek spoke with several former members of Team Blake about the lineup change, and more than one described it as "the end of an era."

Blake Shelton The Voice — Blake Shelton has confirmed that he is leaving his role as a coach on NBC's "The Voice." Tyler Golden/NBC

Craig Wayne Boyd, who won The Voice Season 7 under Shelton's guidance, told Newsweek: "I am forever grateful for the opportunity Blake gave me to learn and enhance my career. His dedication to the artist coming up has shown through and I am sure will continue in whatever comes next for him.

"I just hope that now he has some time to get me out hunting with him!"

Todd Tilghman, The Voice Season 18 winner, told Newsweek: "I love Blake. His departure from the show is certainly the end of an era, and I'm grateful I became part of The Voice family while he was there. Working with Blake on The Voice was always fun, lots of laughs, but it was especially challenging too.

"Because we worked together just as COVID shut down the world so much of what we did was remote. He really is a stellar guy, and he's continued to be good to me since my season ended. I know the show won't be the same without him but I say Godspeed, friend."

Craig Wayne Boyd, who won Season 7 of "The Voice," pictured performing during the 99th Annual 6abc Dunkin' Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade, November 2018. Gilbert Carrasquillo//Getty Images

Adam Wakefield, who was a runner up on The Voice Season 10 as part of Team Blake, also had nothing but praise for his former mentor, saying that the hit show "wouldn't be what it is today without Blake."

"He's a genuine dude who ain't afraid to say what's on his mind. I'm pretty sure that's what brought a lot of folks back to watch every week. Not to mention that guy is hilarious," he told Newsweek.

Shelton, who stars on The Voice with his wife, Stefani, announced he was quitting his role as a coach via his Instagram story.

He wrote to his 5.6 million followers: "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.

"The 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 hard work, passion, and adult beverages (Ha!) to pull off a live show twice a week. I've made lifelong buds with [host] Carson [Daly] and every single one of my fellow coaches over the years, including my wife Gwen Stefani!

"I have to give a huge shouts 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. Lastly, it's about y'all, the fans, who watch and support these artists, us coaches, and everyone at The Voice who are chasing our dreams. It would not happen without you!"

The Voice Season 22 coaches — John Legend, Gwen Stefani, Camila Cabello and Blake Shelton are the current coaches on "The Voice" but there is set to be a major shake up next season. Tyler Golden/NBC

After the announcement there were even more changes made to the coaching lineup as it was confirmed that Legend, Cabello and Stefani will be replaced as coaches for Blake's final season, currently scheduled to air in early 2023.

Long-time coach Kelly Clarkson, who has not appeared on Season 22, will be returning, while One Direction's Niall Horan and Chance the Rapper are joining the show for the first time.

The Voice confirmed the lineup by posting on its official Instagram account: "See you in 2023 @niallhoran @blakeshelton @kellyclarkson @chancetherapper."

It has not been confirmed who will take Shelton's spot for Season 24, but the star has previously spoken about who he would want to replace him on The Voice.

Back in 2017, when asked by Yahoo Entertainment who should take his place if he left, Shelton named David Lee Roth, lead vocalist of Van Halen, as his potential successor.

The Voice continues on NBC on Mondays and Tuesdays at 8/7c. Episodes are available to stream the next day on Peacock.