The judges for the upcoming season of the hit talent competition, "The Voice," has been officially revealed and it looks like the gang remains intact. While Christina Aguilera will not be reprising her role in Season 9, another fan favorite will be joining the regular judges, Blake Shelton and Adam Levine - Gwen Stefani, according to Entertainment Weekly.
"I'm coming back and am so excited! I can't believe I get to return to The Voice," Stefani shared in a press release. She then added, "It's so inspiring to be around such incredible talent and music. I'm looking forward to working again with Adam, Blake and Pharrell. I love those guys." Stefani was last seen in Season 7 prior to the return of Aguilera the next season. Apart from Stefani, Shelton and Levine, Pharell Williams will also be back for "The Voice" Season 9 following his success in his first two seasons with the show.
However, Stefani will not only be the familiar face making a comeback next season as Us Weekly revealed that Carson Daly will be reprising his role as host as well. Meanwhile, the host disclosed that he knew of the changes about to be implemented in "The Voice" Season 9 even before the announcement. "These guys tour," he shared, referring to the judges set to take part of the show next season. "They're not TV people - they're musicians first," Daly explained. "We knew that they have to tour around the world and so, unlike other shows, we've always known that we're going to have the revolving chairs. When we can get Usher and Gwen in the mix with these guys, it's been great," he added.
Paul Telegdy, the president of alternative and latenight programming for NBC entertainment shared the team's excitement over the return of Stefani and Carson, according to Variety. He announced, "With such an astounding group of coaches at the peak of their musical ingenuity and Carson returning as our host, we are thrilled for what season nine will bring." Telegdy added, "The expertise and camaraderie of this panel will provide an immeasurable experience for the artists and must-see entertainment for all who are watching."
However, Stefani's return does not signify that Aguilera will no longer be back ever. According to Us Weekly, a source revealed that the Season 8 judge will be back in the spinning chair by Season 10 as she "already signed her contract." The source added, "She has been very vocal about not doing Season 9 to take a break to spend time with her family and her kids. She always planned to flip them so she had a season off and she is not being replaced by Gwen. She will definitely be back the next season."
Musicians who also became judges in "The Voice" were Shakira, CeeLo Green and Usher.
