NBC’s ‘The Voice’ will be getting two fresh faces this spring as Latin songstress Shakira and R&B singer Usher replace Christina Aguilera and CeeLo Green for season four. The show’s two remaining coaches Adam Levine and Blake Shelton will return for the spring.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Robert Greenblatt, chairman of NBC Entertainment said in a press release, “We are thrilled to welcome Usher and Shakira to ‘The Voice.’ The addition of these popular iconic artists continues the tradition established by Christina, CeeLo, Adam and Blake. Doing two back-to-back cycles of this show requires a tremendous amount of time, and we are happy to accommodate the commitments made by Christina and CeeLo. The participants on our show benefit from our coaches’ expertise and their continued success in the music business allows for significant new contributions to the contestants when they return.”
Aguilera plans to use her hiatus to promote her new album, Lotus, while Green is working with NBC to produce a scripted comedy based on his life. Both are expected to return for the show’s fifth season next fall.
The singer said, “Being a coach on ‘The Voice’ is a wonderful experience and the relationship amongst us all is like an extended family.” She added, “I am so proud of being part of the show from the beginning, all the work we've done, and proud of what the show stands for as a whole. As I have expressed since day one of the show, that I am a singer and performer first and I am so excited to get back to that love. Since this year NBC and The Voice have decided to tape back-to-back seasons, requiring a full-year commitment, it is important for me to take season four off, allowing me to support my music that my fans have been waiting for.”
Green also expressed his support for his replacements, stating, “It’s great to also give a host of other talent the chance to experience what a joy it is to be part of what is truly THE BEST SHOW of them all, THE VOICE! I will return for season five and will be watching season four. NBC is home and as far as Usher and Shakira are concerned – ‘mi casa su casa.’”
The announcement of new coaches on the show follows news from competition ‘American Idol,’ which announced last week the addition of rapper Nicki Minaj and country star Keith Urban to its judges’ panel. Fellow competitor ‘The X Factor’ signed singers Britney Spears and Demi Lovato to its second season judges’ panel.
According to Hollywood Reporter, representatives for Usher and Shakira declined to comment on the new announcement. However, both artist confirmed the news on Twitter. Usher tweeted a video mashup commercial created by a fan for the upcoming season of the show and then wrote, “IV on 4….#Teamusher See you soon! URIV.” Shakira, on the other hand, tweeted, “We’re excited to confirm Shakira will join as a new coach on the 4th season of NBC’s hit show @NBCTheVoice!”
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