Adam Levine returns to coaching on "The Voice" for its 27th season, after stepping back from the show since 2019. The Maroon 5 frontman shared his reflections on the early days of the competition and opened up about his reasons for returning.
Levine, one of the original coaches when "The Voice" premiered in 2011, recalls the chaotic nature of the early seasons. According to Levine, those days were full of fun and unpredictability. "It used to just be kind of crazy. We were like the [Rolling] Stones or something," he said during his January interview with NBC Insider. "It was chaos. CeeLo had a bird. We were like a punk rock band. It was wild thinking back on it; it was so out of control." His nostalgia for this spontaneous energy contrasts sharply with the show's current format, which he describes as pleasant and efficient.
After coaching for 16 seasons, Levine left to focus on family and personal projects. Reflecting on his departure, he noted, "Doing it for so long, so consistently, for almost eight or nine years of my life, you can definitely start to get burnt... for this really long period of time, I started to feel like I was getting away from things." Now, he feels rejuvenated and ready to rejoin the show. "I just felt like it was time. I had some time to reflect and do my thing and be with my family," he told E! Online.
Levine’s return to the show this season is anticipated not only by the fans but also by his fellow coaches. He expressed excitement about working alongside John Legend, Michael Bublé, and Kelsea Ballerini. "I was really happy to come back and experience it again with these three wonderful people," he remarked. His reunion with the show has sparked fond memories, though he admits it felt strange to adjust to his new chair, humorously lamenting his departure from Blake Shelton’s previous chair: "I miss Blake... I’m in his mangy, musty chair." Levine’s playful banter adds to the chemistry he shares with the other coaches.
For Levine, the competitive aspect of the show has shifted. "I don't really see it as a competition anymore," he noted, adding, "I mean, you definitely get competitive, but I don't see it as just competition. I think we’re there to share our experiences with the people on the show." His perspective marks another evolution of the program’s ethos, which originally focused on celebrating talent.
Since stepping away, Levine has enjoyed time with his family. He mentioned, "I didn’t miss it [The Voice] much, but I became more nostalgic about it once I came back." His return has been smooth, as he expressed joy at being back, saying, “It feels like no time has passed, but it also feels so different in an amazing way.” Levine described the current tone of the show as mellow yet fulfilling, a welcome change from the earlier chaos.
Fans are eager to see how the dynamic among the coaches will evolve, particularly with Levine’s return. His unique style and ability to nurture new talent have become defining aspects of The Voice. This season promises not only to rekindle memories but also to introduce exciting new experiences for both the coaches and the audience.
Catch The Voice on NBC every Monday at 8/7c, and stream it the following day on Peacock.