Blake Shelton is one of the mega-stars serving as a coach on the hit singing competition show The Voice. With his country music pedigree and good-old-boy charm, Shelton has become a fan favorite personality on the show over its 22 seasons so far.
Blake Shelton’s Background
Blake Shelton was born in 1976 in Ada, Oklahoma. He had a natural talent and interest in music from a young age, especially country music. By age 16, Shelton was performing at local bars and singing competitions around his home state. In the early 2000s, he landed a record deal with Giant Records and moved to Nashville to pursue his musical career full-time.
Shelton found success with his first single “Austin” in 2001, which went to number one on the Billboard country music charts. Over the next decade, he released several hit albums and cemented himself as one of country music’s biggest stars with sales of over 10 million album units.
Some of Shelton’s most popular songs include “Boys ‘Round Here,” “God Gave Me You,” “Doin’ What She Likes,” and “Ol’ Red.” He has been honored with 10 Country Music Association Awards, 5 Academy of Country Music Awards, and a host of other accolades. Shelton remains one of the most respected artists in country music.
The Launch of The Voice
In 2011, NBC launched a new singing competition show called The Voice. Based on the Dutch show The Voice of Holland, it featured four music superstars serving as “coaches” who would guide contestants through the competition with blind auditions and battle rounds.
The four inaugural coaches were Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, CeeLo Green, and Blake Shelton. With his success in the country genre, Shelton brought an important perspective to the show’s varied panel. While he was not the most mainstream pop name at the time, Shelton turned out to be a perfect fit for The Voice.
The country star’s laid-back charm, humor, and heartland appeal quickly made him a fan favorite. His friendly feud with fellow coach Adam Levine also became a fun recurring subplot on the show. Shelton clearly had great chemistry with the other coaches and contestants.
Blake Shelton’s Impact on The Voice
Over the following seasons, Blake Shelton established himself as the rock of The Voice and in many ways its unofficial mascot. While other coaches have come and gone, Shelton has appeared in every single season so far.
Shelton has guided 9 contestants to victory so far, more than any other coach. His winners include Jermaine Paul, Cassadee Pope, Danielle Bradbery, Craig Wayne Boyd, Sundance Head, Chloe Kohanski, Todd Tilghman, Cam Anthony, and Girl Named Tom. He has an uncanny ability to connect with singers from all backgrounds.
In addition to his coaching duties, Shelton’s personality is a major part of the show’s fun and energy. He often ribs his fellow coaches, especially his bromance and silly rivalry with Levine. Shelton also frequently jokes around with the contestants and host Carson Daly. His natural humor and charm endear him to viewers of all ages.
The Voice Ratings and Success
There is no doubt that Blake Shelton has been a key factor in the incredible success The Voice has found over 22 seasons on the air:
- The Voice has been NBC’s #1 entertainment show every season since 2011.
- It routinely wins its timeslot with over 10 million viewers.
- The Voice generates significant buzz and discussion on social media and news outlets.
- The blind auditions and innovative format remain a compelling draw.
While all of the coaches and elements are important, Shelton’s relatable personality serves as the glue that holds it all together. He helps make the show entertaining and engaging for a wide audience.
Did Blake Shelton “Start” The Voice?
While he wasn’t involved in the original creation or format of The Voice, it’s fair to say Blake Shelton was the key ingredient that helped the show become an enormous success right from the start. His participation lent the show credibility and gave viewers someone to root for.
However, Shelton deserves to share credit for The Voice’s success with the other original coaches like Levine and Aguilera, as well as the many talents behind the scenes. The show’s creators also deserve acknowledgment for adapting the format from Holland.
In the end, while Shelton did not wholly “start” The Voice, he should be considered one of the most vital components that allowed the show to catch fire and become a worldwide sensation over the past decade. It is difficult to imagine the show without him.
Blake Shelton’s Continued Role
22 seasons later, Blake Shelton remains a coach on The Voice alongside newer recruits like Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, and Gwen Stefani. Despite some declining ratings in recent years, the show remains a solid hit and flagship for NBC.
Shelton has become an American icon through The Voice and reached a level of fame beyond just country music fans. He has leveraged that expanded star power into TV hosting gigs, product endorsements, and even a residency in Las Vegas.
While Shelton stays busy with music and business ventures, it is clear he still relishes his time on The Voice. The show provides him a platform to discover and promote new talents in music, which has always been a passion. It is a safe bet that he will remain a coach for as long as the show stays on the air.
The Voice’s Legacy
The Voice has altered the singing competition landscape and introduced innovations that were groundbreaking in 2011. Its blind audition hook, inclusion of established artists as coaches, and emphasis on vocal talent over looks spawned many imitators.
Some of the most successful winners and contestants from The Voice include:
| Contestant | Peak Position |
|---|---|
| Cassadee Pope | #1 album on Billboard 200 |
| Danielle Bradbery | #1 debut single on Hot Country Songs |
| Amanda Brown | Featured performer in Broadway’s The Book of Mormon |
In addition to impressive musicians, the show has also launched coaching careers for stars like Blake Shelton and helped revive interest in veterans like Aguilera and Levine. It has been a true win-win for NBC and the music industry.
Conclusion
Blake Shelton has been with The Voice from the very first season and helped it become a surprise smash hit. His personality and musical knowledge have endeared him to viewers and contestants alike. While he did not create the show, Shelton’s contribution was essential to giving The Voice its heart and soul.
After 22 seaons, Shelton remains invested in the show and passionate about discovering new talent. His legacy on The Voice is likely to continue for years to come. Whenever the show does finally end, Shelton will surely be remembered as the staple coach whose charm captivated America.
