The Voice producers wanted coach John Legend to ‘come and go’ after one season as his reaction to the cast change is revealed

THE Voice fans were shocked when it was announced that John Legend would not be returning to the show, but US Sun has learned that this was always part of the producers’ plans.

When John, 45, signed on to the NBC competitive show, he agreed it would be a “definite deal.”

6

6

“John only signed a one-year contract and was fine with being on a ‘one and done’ schedule and the producers were also happy to have him come and go,” a show insider exclusively told The US Sun.

“Let’s not forget that another factor for John was being on the biggest show of the moment and being able to promote his business at the time,” the source said.

Her business empire includes a skin care line, Loved01, and LVE, a Napa Valley wine brand.

“It was a win-win situation because he was being paid over $10 million as a coach and raising his profile to help companies he wants to promote at home and abroad,” the source continued.

“One good thing about John being on The Voice is that he can go out and promote the show and his business in a very organic way.

“It feels less like a strong endorsement push, especially with great access to NBC shows.”

“Sure enough, he and Chrissy have really promoted their new dog business called Kismet,” the source shared.

John launched the dog food brand with his wife, Chrissy Teigen, this year.

LOOKING FORWARD

“John could put his feet up and do nothing for a year, but that’s not his nature,” the source continued.

“He is so passionate about his music and performances.

“Being on The Voice is equivalent to launching an expensive TV and online media campaign, so it’s a smart move.”

“John will be going on tour in the next few weeks [and] I know he’s saying he’s also working on new music,” the source joked.

John announced he would not return to The Voice earlier this month.

Chance the Rapper and Dan + Shay are also stepping away from the red chairs after this season, leaving Reba McEntire as the only season 25 cast member to continue.

Voice coaches

The Voice first aired on NBC in April 2011, with Christina Aguilera, CeeLo Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton as judges. The reality competition show has gone through many cast changes over the years and has just announced the judges for season 26!

Gwen Stefani – The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter rose to fame performing with the band No Doubt and under their record label. She was previously on The Voice on seasons 7, 9, 12, 17, 19, 22 and 24. The pop star met her husband, Blake Shelton, on set!

Michael Buble – The Canadian singer-songwriter has accumulated five Grammy Awards, fifteen Juno Awards and sold more than 75 million records worldwide. Michael was Blake Shelton’s advisor during the battle rounds in season three.

Snoop Dogg – The rapper will also join Michael in experiencing his first season in the red chair. He has racked up 17 Grammy nominations throughout his career and was previously a mega-mentor to contestants on season 20.

Reba McEntire – The country music icon has been associated with The Voice since its first season, when she was an advisor to Blake Shelton’s team. Reba appeared as an advisor in seasons 8 and 23 before taking the red chair in season 24.

John Legend, Dan + Shay and Chance the Rapper – pictured above alongside Reba – will leave the show after season 25 ends.

Gwen Stefani is returning to her role as coach for season 26, alongside Michael Bublé and Snoop Dog.

“We always have so many things going on,” John told ET after announcing his decision to leave.

“I will do a lot of shows this summer and travel abroad,” he promised.

IS BLAKE BACK?

Since Gwen is returning to the show, many fans are wondering if this means her husband, Blake Shelton, is also considering a return.

“Blake may have said his time on the show is over, but he hasn’t closed the door for good,” a show insider previously told The US Sun.

“Blake also talked about his hopes of bringing back the gang that started the show so well.

6

“He thinks getting Adam, CeeLo and Christina would be a cool way to promote the show.

“Realistically, it would probably take a large amount of money to get them all back, and this comes at a time when keeping costs down is a priority.”

“However, if the network could bring in major sponsorship and endorsement deals, it could help make the [original] team putting together a possibility,” the source added.

The Voice arrived on NBC in April 2011, with Christina Aguilera, CeeLo Green, Adam Levine and Blake as judges.

Gwen and Blake, who married in July 2021, met as coaches on The Voice in 2014.

6

6

6