Adam Levine, frontman of Maroon 5, makes his much-anticipated return to NBC's hit singing competition, The Voice, marking his comeback for the show's 27th season after leaving following Season 16. Levine originally joined the cast of The Voice as one of its four original coaches back in 2011, alongside Blake Shelton, Christina Aguilera, and CeeLo Green.
Speaking about his return, Levine expressed how the opportunity came at the right moment after taking time to reflect and spend with his family. "It didn’t involve too much deliberation or overthinking. I kind of just felt ready. I was really happy to come back and experience it again with these three wonderful people," he told NBC Insider.
Levine's exit from the show came after Season 16, which he announced via Instagram back in 2019. At the time, he explained, "I think I was ready to not be doing it anymore for a little bit...the moment felt right for me to go." He shared he wanted to focus on his family, which includes his three children, Dusty Rose, Gio Grace, and a younger son.
During his tenure on The Voice, Levine achieved remarkable success, winning the competition three times—first with Javier Colon during season one, then with Tessanne Chin and Jordan Smith during seasons five and nine, respectively. Levine's presence as a coach helped nurture many aspiring musicians, but his absence has been felt since his departure.
One intriguing aspect of Levine's return is the significant shake-up among the show's coaches. Joining Levine for Season 27 are returning coaches John Legend and Michael Bublé, alongside Kelsea Ballerini, who is stepping up to the full-time coaching role after previously acting as a substitute. Reba McEntire, who served as an advisor throughout her time on the show, will not be returning.
While Levine's absence raised questions about the nature of the competition, he emphasized his belief during his return, stating, "I don't really see it as a competition anymore... It's about sharing experiences with the people on the show." He acknowledged previous criticisms aimed at The Voice for not producing memorable winners, yet he maintains the value lies beyond mere accolades.
It's worth noting the commentary surrounding Levine's departure from The Voice suggested he became difficult to work with, culminating in observed tensions during promotional events. He later reflected on these more challenging aspects of his career during appearances on shows like The Ellen DeGeneres Show, expressing gratitude for the unique experiences gained from his time on the show.
Fellow original coach Blake Shelton, who left the show after Season 23, also championed Levine's return. Levine shared fan comments encouraging him to come back, highlighting the kind of support and nostalgia enveloping his comeback.
Throughout his absence, fans missed Levine's charm and priceless contributions to the competition. The buzz surrounding Season 27 has escalated leading up to its premiere, with anticipation surrounding how the dynamic between seasoned and new coaches will play out. With his return set for the premiere tonight at 8 PM ET on NBC, fans and followers are eager to witness what Levine has to offer as he steps back to mentor eager contestants.
For those wondering about the future of the show, Season 27 promises to be filled with excitement, fresh talent, and classic moments. Levine's return is heralded not just as the return of one of the franchise's most beloved mentors but also as another chapter for the constantly-evolving format.
The Voice airs live every Monday night and episodes will be available for streaming the following day on Peacock. Given the changes with coaches, the elimination rounds, and the nostalgic coaching pairings, viewers are more excited than ever for another thrilling season of The Voice.