THE VOICE: Usher and Shakira to Join the Coaching Panel in Season 4. Who’s Taking a Break?

There’s a coaching shakeup heading to THE VOICE season 4 — NBC has announced that Usher and Shakira will sit in the infamous red chairs when the show returns next season as Christina Aguiler and CeeLo Green take a break. (Adam Levine and Blake Shelton will remain with the show.)

“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,” said Robert Greenblatt, Chairman, NBC Entertainment in a statement. “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.”

“‘The Voice’ has always been known for pairing incredible up-and-coming talent with superstar coaches who are top-level current artists,” said executive producer Mark Burnett. “Having award-winning artists as coaches means they need to be able to tour. Whether in the red chair or on tour, our coaches have their chairs for life. This is exactly why, after three seasons, we needed to allow them to rotate out so they can get on the road amongst their fans. Meanwhile, we’re incredibly excited to have singular artists like Usher and Shakira joining the fold.”

“Being a coach on ‘The Voice’ is a wonderful experience and the relationship amongst us all is like an extended family,” said Aguilera. “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 — with the release of my new album ‘Lotus’ on November 13. By pursuing my first passion of music during the break, I am also able to come back and offer even more to my team on ‘The Voice’ in the future.”

“First …thank you NBC for supporting my decision to take this season four hiatus! It says that I’m seen and respected as a complete artist and not just a cast member. I’m highly enthusiastic about focusing my undivided attention on my additional endeavors and interests like my upcoming solo album, new Goodie Mob album, Las Vegas residency ‘Loberace,’ new memoir, and new NBC comedy,” said Green. “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.’”

Is anyone else surprised by this? I figured Aguilera might take a break, but given Maroon 5’s busy schedule, I didn’t think there was a chance Levine would stick around.

Are you excited by the addition of Usher and Shakira?

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