Adam Levine has officially turned his chair all the way around… and headed for the exit.
In somewhat surprising news announced by Carson Daly this morning on Today, we’ve learned that the Maroon 5 frontman will be leaving his post as a coach on The Voice.
He had served in this very handsome capacity for 16 seasons.
“After 16 seasons, Adam Levine, our beloved coach and friend, has decided to leave The Voice,” Daly told NBC viewers on Friday morning, adding:
“Adam was one of the original coaches that launched the show, winning the competition three times and inspiring many of the artists he worked closely with over the years.”
It’s true.
Many have pointed to the chemistry between Levine and Blake Shelton as a key reason for the ongoing success of The Voice.
And Daly referenced this friendship in his Today Show tribute to Levine.
“Of course, many viewers will miss his frenemy relationship with Blake Shelton. He will always be a cherished member of The Voice family. We wish him nothing but the best," concluded The Voice host.
Levine has appeared on every single season of The Voice since its 2011 debut.
Along with Shelton, the artist is the only coach to not take any seasons off during the series’ run.
The Grammy winner came out on top with teacm Javier Colon on season 1… Tessanne Chin on season 5… and Jordan Smith on season 9.
(Most recently, John Legend earned the season victory thanks to contestant Maelyn Jarmon.)
As for why Levine is leaving now, it may have something to do with some of the criticism he received for seemingly played favorites when he went to bat for singer Reagan Strange this year.
However, an insider tells Us Weekly that this "backlash" had nothing to do with Adam’s "difficult" decision.
“Having a hard time wrapping my head around @adamlevine not being at @NBCTheVoice anymore,” Shelton Tweeted in response to ths news.
“After 16 seasons that changed both of our lives. I only found out about this yesterday and it hasn’t set in on me yet. Gonna miss working with that idiot.”
We’re pretty sure Shelton will be happy with Levine’s replacement, however.
“With Adam’s departure you might be wondering, ‘Well, who’s going to be sitting in that coveted big, giant red chair?’” Daly continued in his announcement.
“And I’m happy to share this morning that Gwen Stefani will be returning for season 17. Gwen has sat in the chair before. She met her current boyfriend, Blake Shelton, through the show and we’re looking forward to having Gwen back.”
So there you have it.
Prepare for even more playful banter between Shelton and this new/former coach, along with a few games of tonsil hockey.
Stefani, who has been dating Shelton since 2015, has appeared on seasons 7, 9, and 12 of The Voice. She has yet to win the competition, though.
Elsewhere, Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, Shakira, Usher, Pharrell Williams, Miley Cyrus, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Clarkson and Legend have all been featured as full-time coaches on the program.
"Found out last night about @adamlevine leaving The Voice & while I get that he’s been doing the show 4 a while & wants to step away, it will be weird showing up 4 work & he’s not there," Clarkson Tweeted on Friday.
"To start an amazing show from the ground up is a big deal!"
Yes it is.
Will you keep watching The Voice in Levine’s absence?