Cee Lo Green Leaving ‘The Voice’

Cee Lo Green made a big announcement Wednesday, Feb. 19 on The Ellen Degeneres Show. After four seasons, he will be leaving The Voice.

Cee Lo issued a statement saying, “I’m officially announcing today that I won’t be returning as a coach on The Voice cycle 7 in the Fall. There are numerous reasons that led to this decision, which has been amicably reached with NBC, but I’m excited to be developing several other ideas with the network and my association with NBC remains strong. The Voice has been an immensely enjoyable experience for me and I can only hope I have enriched the lives of our viewers, the contestants, and the many friends I made there. I will always be there in spirit.”

He continued, “Meanwhile, NBC and I plan to continue our relationship with several new co-ventures including a new music show, while we also explore our ideas for me to create and host a new show of my own. I will not go quietly into the night… expect more great music and entertainment done in my own unique unmistakable and undeniable way. And The Voice has given me all the altitude and incentive to do just that. Thanks for the memories and make way for many more!”

Cee Lo added on The Ellen Degeneres show that he is touring with Lionel Richie later this year and is working on an upcoming album. “I haven’t released an album in four years; I’m almost done with my album,” he added.

Cee Lo was an original coach on The Voice along with Christina Aguilera, Blake Shelton and Adam Levine. Usher and Shakira filled in for him and Christina last season and will continue to mentor this upcoming season. The sixth season of The Voice begins next Monday, February 24.

Check out the interview of Cee Lo with Ellen below: