[Matt]

NBC is sadly pushing ahead with its plan to air two seasons of The Voice a year and has signed Usher and Shakira to replace Cee Lo Green and Christina Aguilera in its Spring season next year

However, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton will remain, and Cee Lo and Christina will be back in the future

On the heels of its potent debut last week, NBC’s “The Voice” welcomes music superstars Usher and Shakira to the family as two new celebrity musician coaches when it returns next spring for its fourth cycle. Christina Aguilera, who is releasing a new album and going on tour, and CeeLo Green, who is developing new music plus a scripted comedy series for NBC based on his life, will take the next cycle off, it was announced today by Robert Greenblatt, Chairman, NBC Entertainment.

Current celebrity musician coaches Adam Levine and Blake Shelton will remain through season four.

“We are thrilled to welcome Usher and Shakira to 'The Voice.' The addition of these popular iconic artists continues the tradition established by Christina, CeeLo, Adam and Blake,” said Greenblatt. “Doing two back-to-back cycles of this show requires a tremendous amount of time, and we are happy to accommodate the commitments made by Christina and CeeLo. The participants on our show benefit from our coaches’ expertise and their continued success in the music business allows for significant new contributions to the contestants when they return.”

“‘The Voice’ has always been known for pairing incredible up-and-coming talent with superstar coaches who are top-level current artists," said executive producer Mark Burnett. "Having award-winning artists as coaches means they need to be able to tour. Whether in the red chair or on tour, our coaches have their chairs for life. This is exactly why, after three seasons, we needed to allow them to rotate out so they can get on the road amongst their fans. Meanwhile, we’re incredibly excited to have singular artists like Usher and Shakira joining the fold.”

[Z]

Hmm... remains to be seen if they'll return. I think they both need the show more than the show needs them tbh, I'd say Usher and Shakira are probably more exciting names than CeeLo and Christina all things considered. Good replacements anyhow.

[reece(:]

Does that mean CeeLo and Xtina are sacked?

[BBfanUSA]

No they're not. They'll be back next fall.

[Mystic Mock]

I imagine that will confuse the viewers as they're just getting used to Usher and Shakira, then they will go again and Christina and Ce Lo Green will be back.

[BBfanUSA]

actually not really. Over here the Entertainment shows are saying that Producers are letting the coaches come and go as they please.

I think this two season a year thing might work out after all. Between Shakira and Usher they have 100 million followers.

Everyone over here was expecting this the minute they announced two seasons a year. Replacements for the winter season. It's kinda like Strictly Come Dancing over here (Which is twice a year with usually a pro replacing another pro. Uncommon to see a whole cast remain the same between season although some have been doing it since season 2 and are still on it this year.)

[MeMyselfAndI]

Usher & Shakira are bigger names & funnier

[Marc]

hmmmmm

[Callum]

Shakira >>>>>>>>>>>> Christina

[lostalex]

Shakira, she hasn't had a hit since 2010 has she? they should've gotten gaga or pink. They would've been much better.

[Callum]

Originally Posted by lostalex

Shakira, she hasn't had a hit since 2010 has she? they should've gotten gaga or pink. They would've been much better.

Not really about hits, she's still a huge name in the music industry. The same could be applied to Christina, she had a hit with Moves Like Jagger last year but that wasn't even her song, her last solo hit was back in 2008. P!nk probably would make a good coach but I read that she's not a fan of talent shows.

[BBfanUSA]

Shakira might back out. She's prego.

[Joelle.]

Tbh, keep Shakira permanently but bring Cee Lo back.

[BBfanUSA]

They're recording the first day now! Adam and Blake are doing Season 2. Blake is drunk or jokenly drunk, can never tell and Shakira posted a pick of her red chair (the back of her chair)

[reece(:]

Don't they need to get through this series first?

[BBfanUSA]

Uh, the next season is probably starting late Feb, they're getting recorded eps out of the way now probably.

Live shows Series 3 start next month.

[BBfanUSA]

In case anyone's wondering, they showed a hilarious promo during the season 3 with Blake and Adam picking up Shakira and Usher in a old truck with the voice chair on the pickup bed. They battle over the song on the radio (Shakira turning on a metal song ) and then Total Eclispe starts playing and they sing with it. The host pulls up in a van and sees them singing With a What The Hell expression on his face.

Launch Date For Cycle 4 is March 25th. Wow that's actually a long wait.

[BBfanUSA]

First Pic of Usher and Shakira in The Big Red Chairs (And Yes that's what the US Button looks like)



Promo pics are originally from NBC but I found this on another site.

[Tomise]

Love how they change judges on USA Voice

[BBfanUSA]

Ceelo is returning for Season 5
http://music.msn.com/music/article.aspx?news=803181