Blake Shelton will be front and center tonight (3/6) when NBC’s The Voice premieres. Blake told ET Online that when it’s time to film the last episode, he will more than likely be emotional. He said, “I don’t think it’s really gonna hit me [that it’s my last season] until the last episode because when you’re in it, you’re in it.”
Shelton added that he already started to reflect a bit as filming got underway. He said, “There’s been a few moments, especially the blind auditions, it dawned on me: ‘That’s it! I’m never gonna beg somebody to be on my team again. Never gonna hit this button again.'”
Blake deadpanned that he isn’t getting too sentimental about the whole thing. “I didn’t cry or anything. Because I don’t cry. I’m a man.” Joking aside, he knows there may be some tears during the last episode, “It’s probably gonna be an emotional night, that last night. I mean, my God. It’s been 23 seasons. 12 years. And I met my wife on there. Everything good that could come from something like that, I maxed it out.”
Shelton said when he announced that he would be leaving to spend more time with his family, “The kids see me as a very important person in their life. [When they ask], ‘Why isn’t Blake here?’ I take that stuff to heart. I’ve made plenty of money, but you can’t buy time back. I don’t want any regrets.”
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Blake recently joined the Eagles’ Timothy B. Schmit and Joe Walsh for a classic Tom Petty cover. The version of Petty’s 1989 hit “I Won’t Back Down” also features former Guns N’ Roses drummer Matt Sorum.
The cover was done to help support Miraculous Love Kids. It’s a nonprofit music school launched in 2015. The school aims to protect and educate impoverished young women living in conflict zones and facing gender discrimination and violence. A message opens the video: “For the girls and women of Afghanistan, ‘We won’t back down’ until you are free.”
Many artists have joined the cause to help support Miraculous Love Kids. Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello covered Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” for the organization. And other cover featured Sammy Hagar’s take on the Steve Miller Band’s “Fly Like an Eagle.”
Blake Shelton: What Country Star Could Replace Him on 'The Voice?'
Dolly Parton: She would be hilarious in the role.
Most people already know that Dolly is quick-witted, very funny, and would be a great chair turner on The Voice. However, she is also very lovely and would have a problem criticizing anyone or hurting the feelings of someone who dares to dream of music stardom. Plus, she is already so busy it’s doubtful she would be able to handle a two-night-a-week TV schedule. Parton does say “yes” to a lot lately, and who knows, maybe she would take The Voice plunge if asked just right by NBC, whom she already has a TV movie deal with.
Brad Paisley: A natural comedian and music expert.
A little-known fact is that Brad was in the running for Luke Bryan’s spot on American Idol before Idol chose Bryan. Brad has always been a funny guy and has even filled in as a host on Jimmy Kimmel’s show on ABC.
Carrie Underwood: She is so loyal to "American Idol."
Carrie is quite faithful to American Idol, which made her the superstar she is today, so not sure if she would take an offer from The Voice as Kelly Clarkson did. However, if she did take a turn in the big red chair, no doubt she would be fabulous at it.
Tim McGraw: Tim's knowledge would be an asset.
Tim would be great in the big red chair if he took over Shelton’s spot on The Voice. With his budding acting career, he does spend a reasonable amount of time in California, so maybe a fit into The Voice would work for McGraw.
Keith Urban: Would Keith swap the Australian 'Voice' for America?
Keith did appear in The Voice Australia for several seasons before he bowed out recently to spend more time with his family. While he is well qualified, we are not sure he would swap one Voice in his native Australia to do the same in America. Urban was also an American Idol judge from 2013-2016.