THE VOICE -- "Live Top 13 Results" Episode 1614B -- Pictured: Adam Levine -- (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)

Adam Levine Is Leaving The Voice; Says “For Me, It Was Time To Move On”

It is hard to imagine The Voice without Adam Levine. He has been part of the show since it’s very beginning, joining Christina Aguilera, Blake Shelton, and Cee-Lo Green as the original coaches. His passionate pitches to contestants, and quick wit, were always a treat for viewers. During Season 3, there was even a nasty feud behind the scenes between Adam and Christina to keep the show interesting.

You know what else made the singing competition must-watch television? Adam’s bromance with country singer Blake. Their crazy, unlikely friendship, and epic insults, have been the mainstay of the show. They remained in their chairs while the other two seats were filled with a revolving roster of musical superstars. Let’s not forget that both Blake and Adam each held the title of People’s “Sexiest Man Alive.” That’s a whole lot of sexy for one show!

But now, Adam is vacating his coaching position after 16 seasons. Page Six is reporting that The Voice host Carson Daly broke the news on The Today Show on May 24.“After 16 seasons, Adam Levine, our beloved coach and friend, has decided to leave ‘The Voice.’ Adam was one of the original coaches that launched the show, winning the competition three times and inspiring many of the artists that he worked so closely with over the years … He’ll always be a cherished member of the ‘Voice’ family and, of course, we wish him nothing but the best,” Carson stated.

The timing of all of this is a bit strange. On May 13, Adam joined fellow coaches Blake, John Legend, and Kelly Clarkson for a performance at the NBC-Universal Upfronts to promote the show. According to Page Six, Adam looked disinterested and seemed uninspired during the performance. And before the Upfronts, The Voice tweeted a photo of Adam, Blake, Kelly and John. “A group of Coaches so good we need an encore. This iconic squad is returning to #TheVoice next season.” Well, that is awkward!

Adam reflected on his time on the show in an Instagram post. (warning: the post has some unusual grammar.) “After the first day of shooting, I sat there, stunned. I said to myself ‘theres some magic here. Something is definitely happening.’ It went on to be a life shaping experience that will be close to my heart forever. Thank you NBC for signing me up. I am truly honored to have been a part of something I’ll always cherish for the rest of my life.”

RELATED: Christina Aguilera And Adam Levine Feud Continues At The Voice

Adam also gave a shout-out to his fellow coaches and host Carson. “Thank you to every single coach I ever sat in those chairs with. That is shared experience that is singularly ours. We have that for life. Thank you to everyone who supported this long strange and amazing left turn into a place I never thought I’d go,” Adam wrote. “Thank you Carson Daly for babysitting the musicians and making sure our shoes were tied and we had our lunch boxes. You are the backbone of this thing and we appreciate you more than you know.”

Adam also thanked the contestants and all the people behind the scenes of the show. But Adam had some special words for Blake. “And, 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, [Im] just happy I got to experience it with you. You’re my brother for life.” Adam added, “And lastly, to all of the loyal voice fans, there’s literally no show without you guys. For me, it was time to move on. Your support has meant EVERYTHING.”

In an interesting twist, Blake’s girlfriend Gwen Stefani will once again be a coach for the upcoming season. Gwen met Blake on The Voice.

TELL US- ARE YOU SHOCKED THAT ADAM IS LEAVING THE VOICE? WILL YOU STILL WATCH THE VOICE? WHO IS YOUR ALL-TIME FAVORITE COACH?

[Photo Credit: Trae Patton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images]
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