'Chapter is closed': Blake Shelton reflects on possibility of returning to 'The Voice!' after announcing exit at end of Season 23

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: Blake Shelton revealed his thoughts on returning to ‘The Voice!’

The country singer has not only participated in the singing competition for a record 23 seasons but has also become the most successful judge with nine wins.

However, the 'God's Country' singer retired from judging duties after the 23rd season. Now, as the show enters its second season following Shelton's departure, the 47-year-old crooner is reflecting on his decision to step down while affirming that he has no intention of returning.

Blake Shelton reflects on his ‘The Voice!’ journey

The 'Nobody But You' singer recently shared insights into his past journey with 'The Voice!', while also firmly closing the door on any possibility of a future comeback.

During a recent interview with E! News, Shelton shared that the "chapter is closed." 

He explained, "I did 23 seasons of the show and I enjoyed it," before adding, "and by the time I got to that last season, it was time."

He also noted that during his lengthy tenure, he had witnessed and experienced everything possible with the show, including numerous rule changes, "block buttons," and "steal buttons."

The Oklahoma native added, "I've seen every reincarnation of the show that we could come up with to try to keep it exciting."

While Shelton ruled out any possibility of returning to the NBC reality show, he expressed his desire to refocus on his roots in country music in the future.

"I needed to get back to what my day job was anyway," shared the 'Nobody But You' singer, before adding, "which is, you know, being a country singer."

Nevertheless, he also admitted that ‘The Voice!’ holds a special position in his heart till now. He clarified, "I don't mean to sound like I'm not a part of the family anymore.”

Shelton, who is married to fellow 'The Voice!' judge Gwen Stefani, 54, continued, "Those were the most important years of my life when I was a coach on The Voice. But as far as the job goes, I don't think I'm ever ready to do that again as I sit here now."

Apart from focusing back on his country music career, Shelton is also opening his new bar Ole Red Las Vegas, named after his 2001 hit song 'Ol' Red.'

Talking to the outlet, he opened up about his bar, saying, "People love having a Nashville connection in Las Vegas because so many country music fans come to Las Vegas.”

He further explained, "To be able to take a break from gambling or whatever you're doing here and just come have a beer and listen to some live country music is going to be so handy."

Blake Shelton revealed he wanted to focus on his career

Previously in December 2022, Shelton opened up to People for a cover story where he highlighted that he wanted to focus back on his music. 

He shared during that time, "Walking away from music, you might as well just poison me or something. That's not something I can go without. I can't help it.”

He added, "I'm really at a crossroads right now. The country music lane is changing so rapidly, and there's some really good stuff out there. These young kids coming up, it's amazing to see the music that they're making and how creative they are.”

"I'm enjoying watching what's happening and putting a song out once in a while. That's another reason that I'm excited to get some time back away from The Voice and concentrate more on, 'What kind of record do I want to make? Is it going to fit in? Do I care? Do I not care?' I got a lot to figure out," said the country superstar.