Blake Shelton is preparing for a new chapter in his life. After giving it much thought, the country crooner, 46, recently announced he will depart from The Voice after 23 seasons.
Shelton has been the longest-running coach on The Voice and the sole country coach since the show’s inception in 2011. That means people everywhere have been asking the same question: Who will replace Shelton when he leaves the red chair he has claimed for over a decade?
As it turns out some of his co-stars have offered a few suggestions.
While speaking with Extra on the Live Shows red carpet on Monday (Nov. 14), current coach John Legend said, “Well, I think it should be someone in country [music.] We have never had another country coach before because it has only been Blake. So, you know, I could see Carrie [Underwood] doing it.”
“She’s in the NBC family,” Legend reasoned of the “Hate My Heart” singer’s potential to join the cast of the popular reality TV singing competition. “She sings on our Sunday night broadcast. She could be good!”
“Just an idea, Carrie,” he added, looking into the camera. “But we’ll see what The Voice has in store.”
The opportunity to coach on The Voice could be in Underwood’s wheelhouse as she is no stranger to singing competitions. Fans will remember, she got her start on a different reality TV competition program. She won American Idol in 2005. Not to mention, newbie coach of the current The Voice season, Camila Cabello, who also began her musical journey on a talent show (The X Factor), seemed to agree with Legend’s sentiments. She also threw out a couple of other names as potential contenders for the open role.
“Oh, that’s good! Carrie Underwood would be good,” Cabello said before pondering a few other names who might be worthy of filling Shelton’s veteran shoes. “I don’t know, like, I’m not sure. Rihanna? But I don’t know. I feel like she’s so busy. Labyrinth would be so good.”
Even though Shelton’s current co-stars have already thrown a few celebrity names into the ring as potential replacements on the set of The Voice, Cabello admits the “No Body” crooner will be a tough person to match when it comes to finding someone to fill his spot.
“Blake. He’s so much a part of what makes this show. His energy. His sense of humor. His warmth and his authenticity.…,” she said. “I feel like he’s kind of like the heart of the show in a lot of ways, so I think he will be so missed.”
Shelton announced he would be leaving his coaching position earlier this year after The Voice unveiled its Season 23 coaches, which will see him starring alongside Kelly Clarkson, Niall Horan, and Chance The Rapper.
“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,” Shelton revealed in an October 11 statement, on his Instagram page. “This 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 work, passion, and adult beverages (Ha!) to pull off a live show twice a week.”
“I’ve made lifelong bonds with Carson and every single one of my fellow coaches over the years, including my wife Gwen Stefani,” he continued. “I have to give a huge shoutout 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 their dreams. It would not happen without you!”
The Voice is currently in the midst of its Season 22 Live Playoffs. Fans can tune into The Voice Mondays and Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.
