Gwen Stefani will be back as a coach on NBC’s The Voice for season nine.
Stefani replaces Christina Aguilera, who is taking a break from her coaching for season nine. Stefani first coached in season seven but took a break from season eight when Aguilera returned. Aquilera is expected to return for future seasons but is taking time off to work on her music career. Pharrell Williams, who also made his coaching debut in season seven and has stayed on the show since then, is also returning for the ninth season as a coach, according to the press release.
Coaches Adam Levine and Blake Shelton have been on the show since season one and will join Stefani and Williams in the show’s ninth season.
“I’m coming back and am so excited! I can’t believe I get to return to The Voice,” Stefani said in the press release. “It’s so inspiring to be around such incredible talent and music. I’m looking forward to working again with Adam, Blake and Pharrell. I love those guys.”
The coaching lineup is the same as it was for season seven of the show, which is based on blind singing auditions. Carson Daly, who has hosted from the beginning, will return to host season nine as well.
“With such an astounding group of coaches at the peak of their musical ingenuity and Carson returning as our host, we are thrilled for what season nine will bring,” said Paul Telegdy, NBC President of Alternative and Late Night Programming in the press release.
Season nine of The Voice will return on NBC in September.