Blake Shelton Bids An Emotional Farewell To ‘The Voice’
on May 23, 2023
Tuesday night’s season finale of The Voice was bittersweet as a new champ was crowned and Blake Shelton ended his run as a Voice coach.
Blake Shelton joined The Voice during the show’s inaugural season in 2011 alongside Adam Levine, Christina Aguilera and CeeLo Green. As the show’s longest lasting coach, he also became the show’s winningest coach with nine wins heading into the Season 23 finale.
Blake surprised fans when he announced his departure earlier this year, but understood why he felt it was time to move on.
“I mean, my god, it’s been 23 seasons, 12 years,” he said. “My friends, I’ve seen their kids literally grow up… It’s unbelievable, all the life that’s happened. I met my wife on there, you know, everything good that could come from something like that, I’ve maxed it out.”
Ahead of the season finale, some of Blake’s former team members expressed their sentiments on social media. Some of those members include Jermaine Paul (winner of Season 2), Craig Wayne Boyd (Season 7 winner), and Todd Tilghman (Season 18 winner).
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Blake also took to social media to reflect on the last 12 years, what he has gained from the experience, and his bittersweet exit.
“When we signed up for season 1, I don’t think any of us knew what this was going to be.. These past 12 years I have made lifelong friends and memories. I’ve had the great opportunity to coach some really talented artists, 9 who have taken home #TeamBlake wins (let’s make that 10 tonight?), and watch these artists grow so much from the show,” Blake wrote alongside a series of photos. “Thank you to everyone… the crew, the coaches, the contestants, the fans, and my wife who have made these some really great years. Love y’all!!!!!!”
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As expected, the “God’s Country” singer’s final episode was full of emotion.
From the start of tonight’s episode, it was clear that it was going to be all about Blake. The show kicked off with his friend and former Voice coach Adam Levine welcoming him for his last show. Former coach CeeLo Green was joined by some former members of Team Blake for an ’80s medley in honor of Shelton.
EPICCCCC @blakeshelton send-off performance by @CeeLoGreen, @bodielovesyou, @CamAnthony, @WendyMoten, and Chloe Kohanski ❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/Ck2JmhqJFW
— The Voice (@NBCTheVoice) May 24, 2023
Throughout the night, there were numerous performances and special appearances honoring Blake. One unexpected surprise came in the form of a video from country legend George Strait.
“I just wanted to say congratulations on this successful run you had at The Voice. You really stole the show, man. You really did,” King George said. “So, congratulations on that and I wish you the best of luck in whatever you decide to do next. I’m sure it will be great, whatever it is. And I’ll see you out there on the road sometime.”
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Blake Shelton headed into Tuesday’s finale with two singers in the Top 5. Like every season before, Blake performed one final song with each member of his team. But, this time he seemed acutely aware that the moment was marking a “last.”
Blake joined NOIVAS to sing “Home” and Grace West for a “Lonely Tonight” duet.
While there were some predictable moments, there were also many surprises, including the return of some former Voice competitors and some champs who won alongside Blake. Craig Wayne Boyd, Todd Tilghman, Cassadee Pope, Danielle Bradberry, RaeLynn and the Swon Brothers were among those who turned out to support their former coach with a performance of “Time of Your Life.”
Several of the coaches who worked alongside Blake during his Voice tenure also showed up to bid him farewell. Former coahces Miley Cyrus, Adam Levine, CeeLo Green, Camila Cabelo, Jennifer Hudson, Nick Jonas, Usher and Pharrell Williams were a part of the impressive lineup of those who performed or had a special message for Blake on his big night.
Blake ended his Voice career on a high note.
Despite neither of his final two team members taking home this season’s trophy, Blake retains the title of the show’s winningest coach. And, viewers and competitors will agree that the country star’s mark will be forever left on The Voice.
See some highlights from Blake Shelton’s 23-season run on The Voice in the video below.
