Blake Shelton shared a heartfelt reflection on his longstanding role as a coach on The Voice, headed into his last-ever episode on Tuesday (May 23). The country giant — and reigning winningest coach on the NBC competition series — said it’s a “bittersweet” moment.
Shelton posted a few throwback photos on his social media channels on Tuesday afternoon, including one of himself and a collage of previous Team Blake champs over the years, among other memories throughout his time on The Voice. Shelton wrote in his heartfelt caption:
“Can't believe it's been 23 seasons of @nbcthevoice... and especially can't believe today is my final episode. It's bittersweet. When we signed up for season 1, I don't think any of us knew what this was going to be.. These past 12 years I have made lifelong friends and memories. I've had the great opportunity to coach some really talented artists, 9 who have taken home #TeamBlake wins (let's make that 10 tonight?), and watch these artists grow so much from the show. Thank you to everyone... the crew, the coaches, the contestants, the fans, and my wife who have made these some really great years. Love y'all!!!!!!
Shelton announced in October that he would depart from The Voice after season 23, admitting that he’d “been wrestling” with the decision for a while. He said at that time that the show has “changed my life in every way for the better and it will always feel like home to me,” including building lasting friendships and introducing him to his wife, pop megastar Gwen Stefani.
Stefani is set to return to The Voice in season 24, alongside veteran coach John Legend, returning coach Niall Horan and first-time coach, beloved country legend Reba McEntire. McEntire served as a Battle Advisor during the show’s first season in 2011, and she returned as Mega Mentor this season. She confirmed that she would return as a coach last week, chatting with host Carson Daly as she sat in Shelton’s iconic chair.
See Shelton’s tribute to his run on The Voice here: