'The Voice': Usher, Shakira sub for Christina Aguilara and Cee Lo Green for season 4

The judging panel shake ups continue in music reality competition show land. First it was “American Idol” and “The X-Factor,” now “The Voice” is making a change to its panel. Christina Augilera and Cee Lo Green are bowing out of Season 4.  Christina Aguilera, who is releasing a new album and going on tour, and CeeLo Green, who is developing new music plus a scripted comedy series for NBC based on his life, will take the next cycle off, it was announced today by Robert Greenblatt, Chairman, NBC Entertainment. Music superstars Usher and Shakira will take their place as the two new celebrity musician coaches when it returns next spring for its fourth cycle.

Current celebrity musician coaches Adam Levine and Blake Shelton will remain through season four.

“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.’”
 
The Voice” returns with the strongest vocalists from across the country invited to compete in the blockbuster vocal competition show’s third season. Celebrity musician coaches Christina Aguilera, CeeLo Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton return along with Carson Daly as host and Christina Milian as Social Media Correspondent.

The show’s innovative format features four stages of competition: the first begins with the blind audition, then the battle round, the brand new knockouts and finally, the live performance shows.

 In the end, one will be named “The Voice” and will receive the grand prize of a recording contract.

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