It’s hard to deny Blake Shelton‘s monumental impact on The Voice. The country singer, known for his homespun wisdom and rivalries with coaches like Adam Levine, became an unofficial face of the show since its debut in 2011. However, after 23 seasons and nine championships, coaching favorite Shelton left the show in May 2023.
Carson Daly on Blake Shelton’s departure
Carson Daly, having been with the show from its inception, shared his thoughts about adapting to a post-Blake era during an exclusive interview. Reflecting on Shelton’s departure, Daly noted, It was the biggest hurdle that this show has ever had to endure.
This sentiment underscores the challenge of moving forward without such a central figure.
Daly recounted efforts to acclimate Shelton to his LA surroundings early on. “One day, we went to where he would, I thought, be comfortable. And I took him to a Bass Pro Shop,” he explained. With time, Shelton’s romance with Gwen Stefani played a role in settling him into the dynamic environment of LA.
The Show’s Longevity
On discussing the show’s enduring success, Daly was optimistic, stating, I still believe this show has a long life.
He attributed much of its staying power to its ever-evolving panel and engaging format. Audrey Morrissey, executive producer, added insight into maintaining such a well-oiled production machine behind the scenes.
Reba McEntire Steps Up
The transition into the ‘post-Blake’ phase saw country icon Reba McEntire take over his big red chair in season 24. McEntire quickly established her presence by coaching Asher HaVon to victory in season 25. Daly remarked that casting Reba McEntire was a strategic move akin to playing chess: Immediately we saw… Wow, what a perfect chess play for us just on the heels of not having Blake on the show.
Succeeding Long-Term
With newcomers Michael Bublé and Snoop Dogg joining veteran Gwen Stefani in season 26, The Voice continues evolving with fresh talent while leveraging established dynamics. According to Daly, “the core success surrounds strong chemistry between hosts and engaging content.” As fans brace for new seasons ahead, it remains clear that adaptability and strategic replacements are key components of continuing the legacy started years ago.
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