Adam Levineannounced Fridaythat he’sleavingThe Voiceafter 16 seasons — and no one is sadder than his fellow coaches.
Blake Shelton,Kelly ClarksonandJohn Legendreacted to the Maroon 5 frontman’s sudden departure after the news broke Friday morning.
Though Shelton’s longtime girlfriendGwen Stefaniis stepping in toreplace Levine next season, the country star, Clarkson and Legend made it clear that the singer will be missed.
“Having a hard time wrapping my head around Adam not being atThe Voiceanymore,” Shelton wrote. “After 16 seasons that changed both of our lives. I only found out about this yesterday and it hasn’t set in on me yet.”
He concluded with a jab at Levine, who has become a close friend: “Gonna miss working with that idiot.”
Trae Patton/NBC/NBCU Photo bank
Blake Sheltonand Adam Levine in May 2019
Levine, 40, and Shelton, 42, were two of the original coaches when the show launched back in April 2011 andquickly built a bond, becoming good pals (andeachwinningthe title of PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive during theirVoicetenure).
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Blake Sheltonand Adam Levine in 2014
The first time Shelton met Levine, “I didn’t know what the hell was going on,” says Shelton. “It was this skinny guy with a white T-shirt with the collar all stretched out. I remember turning to my manager and saying, ‘I think that’s Adam Levine.'”
Now years later, the pair have seen each other through many of life’s milestones and found lasting friendship. “He’s one of the most loving people I’ve ever known,” Shelton tells PEOPLE. “We drive each other nuts, but outside of this world, he’s one of my best friends and it’s because of his heart. He needs his face slapped around, but he has a huge, huge heart.”
Adam Levine and Blake Shelton in 2011.Kevin Winter/Getty
Adam Levine andBlake Sheltonin 2011
Singling out Shelton specifically in his farewell message on Instagram shortly after the news broke Friday, Levine wrote, “BLAKE F—IN’ SHELTON. I couldn’t hide my love for you if I tried. Seriously. I tried. Can’t do it. Our friendship is and always will be one for the books. Whatever this whole surreal experience was, I’m just happy I got to experience it with you. You’re my brother for life.”
He added, “Kelly and John, take care of the cowboy and I’m sure I’ll be back to say hi very very soon. So much love to you both.”
In addition to his ongoing tour with Maroon 5 and working on new music, Levine will be busy at home with his wife, modelBehati Prinsloo, and their young two daughters, 2½-year-old Dusty Rose and 15-month-old Gio Grace.
FellowVoicecoachKelly Clarkson, 37, also expressed her disappointment over Levine’s departure from the show, adding how strange it will be to work on the show without him.
“Found out last night about Adam leavingThe Voice& while I get that he’s been doing the show 4 a while & wants to step away, it will be weird showing up 4 work & he’s not there 👀 To start an amazing show from the ground up is a big deal!”
Responding to Levine’s Instagram post, newest coachJohn Legend, 40, wrote, “We’ll miss you, brother.”
The Voicecoaches Blake Shelton, Kelly Clarkson, John Legend and Adam Levine.Trae Patton/NBC
Blake Shelton,Kelly Clarkson, John Legend and Adam Levine
The Voice‘s official Twitter account also praised Levine’s contributions before announcing the return of Stefani, who previously coached for three seasons.
source: people.com
