CeeLo Green says he's 'not coming back' to 'The Voice'
CeeLo Green has turned his chair for the last time on "The Voice." As he revealed in an interview on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" that airs Wednesday, his hiatus from the singing competition this season will be permanent."I'm not coming back, guys," he told DeGeneres. "I'm not coming back at all."Green, who was on the talk show to discuss hitting the road for a tour with Lionel Richie, explained his
Feb. 19, 2014, 1:22 PM UTC
By Randee Dawn
CeeLo Green has turned his chair for the last time on "The Voice." As he revealed in an interview on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" that airs Wednesday, his hiatus from the singing competition this season will be permanent.
"I'm not coming back, guys," he told DeGeneres. "I'm not coming back at all."
Green, who was on the talk show to discuss hitting the road for a tour with Lionel Richie, explained his departure.
"I don't want to wear out my welcome there," said Green. "I have so many other things that I want to do. I haven't released an album in four years."
Though he's leaving "The Voice," that doesn't mean he's done with TV, the musician noted.
"I'm going to continue my relationship with NBC," the "Forget You" singer told DeGeneres. "I have a television show development deal with them as well and hopefully some other talk show opportunities for later in the year."
The singer further elaborated on his decision to leave in a statement that he shared with TODAY.
"I'm officially announcing today that I won't be returning as a coach on 'The Voice' cycle seven in the fall," Green said. "There are numerous reasons that led to this decision, which has been amicably reached with NBC. ... Meanwhile, NBC and I plan to continue our relationship with several new co-ventures including a new music show, while we also explore our ideas for me to create and host a new show of my own. I will not go quietly into the night ... expect more great music and entertainment done in my own unique unmistakable and undeniable way. 'The Voice' has given me all the altitude and incentive to do just that. Thanks for the memories and make way for many more!"
Paul Telegdy, NBC president of alternative and late-night programming, said in a statement to TODAY, "CeeLo Green has been an instrumental part of the success of 'The Voice' and we deeply appreciate all his contributions. We're looking forward to working with him on other upcoming projects that will tap into both his musical and entertainment expertise."
Green joined "The Voice" as one of the show's original coaches in 2011 — along with Blake Shelton, Adam Levine and Christina Aguilera — and stayed for three seasons. Green and Aguilera both took a hiatus in cycle four at the beginning of 2013, and were replaced by Usher and Shakira. All four original coaches returned in September for the show's fifth season, but Green is once again giving up his chair — along with Aguilera — to Usher and Shakira in the upcoming cycle. Neither Green nor Aguilera have ever won.
But Green leaves with some regret, he admitted. "I'm going to miss 'The Voice,' too," he told DeGeneres.
Fans are already expressing their sadness.
Ceelo+Green+won't+come+back+for+The+Voice.+I'm+sad.+He's+a+good+and+humble+mentor.
—+NNE+(@imnne)+February+19,+2014
So+sad+about+Cee-Lo+http://t.co/7rZANTyDNI
—+Mikey+(@fsmikey)+February+19,+2014
CeeLo+Green+Quits+The+Voice+After+Four+Seasons:+"I'm+Not+Coming+Back":+Say+it+ain't+so! During+Wednesday's+ep...+http://t.co/xwGmtXH1EL
—+olusoji®™+(@olusodjay)+February+19,+2014
TODAY's Willie Geist joins them in their sorrow. After pointing out the news on Wednesday's show, he noted, "It'll be sad to see him go."
"The Voice" returns to NBC for season six on Monday, Feb. 24 at 8 p.m.