Television May 24, 2023
‘The Voice’ Crowns a Winner as the Show Bids Farewell to Blake Shelton
NBC
“The Voice” finale crowned a winner, while giving coach Blake Shelton an all-star send-off.
Past coaches Adam Levine, CeeLo Green and Usher all helped bid Shelton farewell after 23 seasons on the hit show.
Blake, who had nine wins over the years, didn’t get the final victory, but he certainly stole the show.
There was a look back at how he fell in love with wife Gwen Stefani on the “The Voice” and well-wishes from other GOATs like Dolly Parton and Wayne Gretzky. They even immortalized Shelton by placing his jean jacket in the rafters.
Blake received more than one tribute from his past contestants, including a big number by past team members like Jermaine Paul, Cassadee Pope, the Swon Brothers, Dia Frampton, Ian Flanigan, Sundance Head and Danielle Bradbery.
Meanwhile, Blake’s contestant Grace West came in second place this season, losing to Gina Miles.
NBC
This was a first-time win for Coach Niall Horan, who earned bragging rights this season.
Afterward, “Extra’s” Melvin Robert told him, “All season, we watched you and your TV dad Blake go back and forth. You couldn't let him do it his last season?”
Horan teased, “No, no, never. It would've been fixed if he won tonight.”
Robert added, “You all text every day. What’s the text going to be like tomorrow?”
Horan joked, “Crickets… I know what's he's like."
Niall said that after Gina won, Shelton whispered in his ear, "I taught you everything you know.” Horan said with a laugh, “Which meant a lot.”
Of course, there is always the chance that Blake could un-retire like Tom Brady. Niall told Melvin, "I'm sure he will. I'm sure if there is a contract there for Blake Shelton he'll take it. He might have to drop the tractor, but he'll be back."
Earlier this week, Blake reflected on “The Voice,” telling “Extra’s” Mark Wright, “It's been the most important chapter of my life. If I look back at everything, all the way back to being a kid back in Oklahoma… so many things happened during this portion of my life. What it did for my personal life, what it did for my career, it's just been a once-in-a-lifetime thing.”
He later added, “It’s like hitting the lottery, being a part of something this special.”
Blake also spoke about what he’s excited for in his next chapter.
“I’m excited about not having a plan,” he said, adding, “I’m kind of looking forward to sitting around a little bit.”
