Including how Voice producers shook up season 26

THE Voice fans were shocked when it was announced John Legend would not return to the show, but The U.S. Sun has learned it was always part of the producers’ plans.

When John, 45, signed onto the NBC competition show he agreed it would be a “one-and-done deal.”

John Legend is looking forward to growing his business empire after leaving The VoiceCredit: Chrissy Teigen/Instagram

A source told The U.S. Sun that John always knew his time as a coach for Season 25 of The Voice would always be a ‘one and done’Credit: Getty
“John was signed for just a year deal and was chill about being on a ‘one and done’ schedule and producers, too, were happy to have him come and go,” a show insider exclusively told The U.S. Sun.

“Let’s not forget that another factor for John was being on the biggest show of the moment and being able to promote his businesses at the time,” the source said.

His business empire includes a skincare line, Loved01, and LVE, a Napa Valley wine brand.

“It was a ‘win-win’ because he was getting paid over $10 million as a coach and increasing his profile to aid businesses he wants to promote at home and abroad,” the insider continued.

“One good thing for John being on The Voice means he can go out to promote the show and his businesses very organically.

“It looks less like a heavy endorsement push, especially with great access to NBC shows.”

“Certainly, he and Chrissy really did get the word out on their new dog business called Kismet,” the source shared.

John launched the dog food brand with his wife, Chrissy Teigen, this year.

LOOKING AHEAD

“John could put his feet up and do nothing for a year, but that is not his nature,” the insider continued.

“He is so passionate about his music and performances.

“Being on The Voice is the equivalent to launching an expensive TV and online media campaign, so it is a smart move.”

“John is heading out on tour in the next few weeks [and] I know he has been saying he is also working on new music,” the insider teased.

John announced he would not be returning to The Voice earlier this month.

Chance the Rapper and Dan + Shay are also stepping away from the red chairs after this season, leaving Reba McEntire as the only season 25 cast member continuing.

Gwen Stefani is returning to her position as a coach for season 26 in addition to Michael Bublé and Snoop Dog.

“We’ve always got so many things going on,” John told ET after announcing his decision to leave.

“I’ll be doing a lot of shows this summer and traveling overseas,” he promised.

BLAKE IS BACK?

Since Gwen is returning to the show, many fans are wondering if this means her husband, Blake Shelton, is also considering a return.

“Blake may have said his time on the show is over, but he has not closed the door for good,” a show insider previously told The U.S. Sun.

“Blake has also been vocal about his hope to bring back the gang that started the show so well.

In addition to his upcoming tour, John also runs his skincare and wine brandsCredit: Instagram/John Legend
“He feels getting Adam, CeeLo and Christina would be a cool way to promote the show.

“Realistically, it would likely take a large amount of money to get them all back, and that comes at a time when keeping costs down is a priority.”

“However, if the network could bring in major sponsor and endorsement deals, that could help make the [original] team reuniting a possibility,” the source added.

The Voice arrived on NBC in April 2011, with Christina Aguilera, CeeLo Green, Adam Levine, and Blake as judges.

Gwen and Blake, who married in July 2021, met as coaches on The Voice in 2014.

He launched a dog food brand with his wife, Chrissy Teigen, this yearCredit: Getty

Chance the Rapper and Dan + Shay will also be joining John in saying goodbye to the red chairCredit: Getty

Gwen Stefani is returning to The Voice as a coach for season 26 alongside Michael Bublé and Snoop DogCredit: Instagram / gwenstefani