The wild speculation is over just about as quickly as it began: as we all figured awhile ago, The Voice‘s original foursome will not all be back in Spring 2013 for Season 4.
Via press release from NBC, Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Green “will take the cycle off to fulfill other commitments before returning next year.” Their replacements will be Shakira and Usher.
Adam Levine and Blake Shelton will keep their big red chairs for at least one more season.
It’s worth noting that both Christina and Cee Lo are quoted in the press release as saying they’ll be back, with Cee Lo point-blank saying “I will return for season five,” which would be in Fall 2013. I also like the below quote from Christina, because it says what many of us have brought up since the idea of a year-round show was pitched:
Since this year NBC and The Voice have decided to tape back-to-back seasons, requiring a full-year commitment, it is important for me to take season four off, allowing me to support my music that my fans have been waiting for.
Whether or not you’re a fan of Christina as a coach, I don’t think anyone can argue with her logic. Furthermore, I wouldn’t be surprised if you see Adam and/or Blake take Season 5 off, given that they’ve expressed the exact same desire. (I’m actually surprised that Adam is staying, given his tour commitments with Maroon 5.)
The important thing is that – although plans can certainly change – right now it looks like we’ll have the original fab four back in the fall of next year. That’s certainly something they didn’t have to do, and I think it speaks to their commitment to the show and to helping new talent.
How do you think a Christina-less, Cee Lo-less, Shakira-and-Usher-plus Voice will pan out?
Part of me actually wishes that all 4 coaches would’ve taken a season off because part of what draws people in is the chemistry between all 4 coaches, not just Adam and Blake, but I guess it’s good that they stayed if only to provide some sense of continuity
I was actually expecting Blake to leave with Christina. Cee Lo had kinda indicated he was open to staying for another season and Adam seems to be juggling the show and touring pretty well, while Blake seemed to be pretty pissed of at NBC and almost out the door.
And I don’t really have any feeling for or against Usher (I can only remember one of his songs) but Shakira is a pretty good option IMO. She may not be as talented vocally as Christina but she’s still very good and successful (though more so outside the US which is why I may have a better opinion of her than you)