Blake Shelton Reflects on ‘Bittersweet’ 23 Seasons on ‘The Voice’ After His Final Show

Blake Shelton is officially retired from The Voice following Tuesday night’s (May 23) finale. And aft he wrapped his awesome tally arsenic a coach for 23 seasons complete 12 years, nan state prima is reflecting connected his “bittersweet” travel pinch nan show he helped commencement backmost successful 2011.

“Can’t judge it’s been 23 seasons of @nbcthevoice… and particularly can’t judge coming is my last episode,” he wrote successful an Instagram station hours earlier nan unrecorded last section aired. “It’s bittersweet. When we signed up for play 1, I don’t deliberation immoderate of america knew what this was going to be.”

Shelton was 1 of 4 OG coaches connected The Voice‘s very first season, alongside Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine and CeeLo Green. Over nan years, he remained a fixture connected nan panel, which besides saw Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, Pharrell Williams, Shakira, Usher, Alicia Keys, Miley Cyrus and Shelton’s now wife, Gwen Stefani, return 1 of nan reddish chairs. He spent his last play coaching pinch Clarkson and newcomers Niall Horan and Chance nan Rapper.

“These past 12 years I person made lifelong friends and memories,” nan “God’s Country” vocalist continued successful his post, sharing photos pinch immoderate of his mentees and co-coaches from seasons past. “I’ve had nan awesome opportunity to coach immoderate really talented artists, 9 who person taken location #TeamBlake wins (let’s make that 10 tonight?), and watch these artists turn truthful overmuch from nan show. Thank you to everyone… nan crew, nan coaches, nan contestants, nan fans, and my woman who person made these immoderate really awesome years. Love y’all!!!!!!”

Unfortunately for #TeamBlake, it was Gina Miles connected Horan’s squad who took location nan prize. Still, Shelton remains The Voice‘s winningest coach of each clip pinch 9 victories total. Next play will people nan show’s first play without him arsenic a coach, though Stefani, Horan and Legend will return, pinch Reba McEntire making her debut successful Shelton’s place.

See Blake’s station below: