Adam Levine is making waves as he opens up about his return to the hit TV show, “The Voice,” without his longtime co-star Blake Shelton. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the Maroon 5 frontman shares his excitement about rejoining the show and discusses the absence of his close friend, Shelton.
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Levine jokingly remarks, “The best part about being back with The Voice Family is that I don’t have to deal with Blake Shelton. I just don’t like him.” He quickly clarifies, “Of course, I love Blake. And I had to open with a Blake joke because he’s not on the show anymore, yet they still continue.”
Levine and Shelton were original coaches on The Voice when the show first aired in 2011. Their playful banter and close friendship became a highlight of the series, with the two often teasing each other on-screen. Levine left the show in 2019 after 16 seasons, while Shelton followed suit in May 2023 after 23 seasons.
Reflecting on his comeback for season 27, Levine expresses his gratitude for the warm welcome he has received from the show’s crew and fellow coaches. He states, “It’s really great to be back, because I had plenty of time to not be on the show, and to do my thing, and to not have that define me.”
Levine adds, “But it’s so nice because now here I am, and it’s totally enjoyable because I’ve had that time… It was just nice to be able to take a break.” The singer acknowledges the organic and spontaneous nature of his friendship with Shelton and mentions that their dynamic cannot be replicated.
For the upcoming season, Levine will be sharing the coaching panel with Kelsea Ballerini, Michael Bublé, and John Legend. Despite the new additions, Levine acknowledges that the dynamic he shared with Shelton cannot be imitated. He emphasises the unique bond they had and the camaraderie that infused their interactions on the show.
According to Levine, his focus for season 27 is not purely competitive but aims to provide guidance and support to the contestants. He believes in sharing experiences and helping individuals grow, rather than viewing it solely as a contest.
As fans eagerly await the premiere of “The Voice” season 27, set to air on February 3, 2025, Levine’s return promises to bring back the charm and dynamic that he and Shelton once shared on the show. The singer’s unique perspective and genuine camaraderie make him a valuable addition to the coaching panel as the series continues to entertain audiences worldwide.