Blake Shelton will be leaving The Voice permanently at the end of the current season. As the only coach to appear on every one of the show’s 23 seasons, NBC is planning a big farewell. The live performance episode is scheduled for Monday, May 22 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, and the finale that will crown this season’s winner airs Tuesday, May 23 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
Shelton’s departure marks the end of a long era for the show; he began with season 1 in 2011 and remained a consistent presence through season 23. To honor his contribution, the network and producers have lined up a series of special guests and performances to make the final episodes a celebratory send-off.
The Voice Top 5 perform two songs on Monday night’s performance finale
On Monday night, May 22, the five remaining contestants — Gina Miles, NOIVAS, D. Smooth, Sorelle and Grace West — will each deliver two performances: a ballad and an uptempo number. They will sing live in front of the current coaching panel, which includes Kelly Clarkson, Niall Horan, Chance the Rapper and Blake Shelton. After Monday’s performances, America’s vote will determine which artists advance and who will ultimately win the competition, with the winner being announced on the live finale Tuesday night.
Who WILL be there to send Blake off
According to reports in Billboard, the finale will feature an array of star guests. Confirmed appearances include country legend Dolly Parton and several former coaches who helped shape the series over the years, such as Usher, Pharrell, John Legend, Nick Jonas, Camila Cabello and Jennifer Hudson. Blake’s wife and occasional coach on the show, Gwen Stefani, is also expected to join the celebration.
NBC has indicated there will be additional special guests and performances across the two-night finale, underscoring the network’s intention to make Shelton’s departure a memorable television event. The roster blends past coaches, current collaborators and outside artists to reflect Shelton’s long-standing impact on the series.
UPDATE: NBC revealed the full list of guests for next week’s finale episodes.
Lewis Capaldi, Alex Newell perform Monday, Adam Levine, Ceelo Green and more on Tuesday
Monday’s live episode (May 22, 8–9 p.m. ET/PT) will include a performance by Lewis Capaldi, who will sing his single “Wish You The Best” from the album Broken by Desire to be Heavenly Sent, released May 19. Alex Newell, known for their work on Glee, will perform “Independently Owned” from the Broadway musical Shucked. That performance will mark the first time a Broadway show has been featured on The Voice, a notable crossover between stage and television.
The live finale on Tuesday (May 23, 9–11 p.m. ET/PT) is scheduled to include a number of high-profile moments. CeeLo Green will return for a surprise performance. Producer and DJ Diplo will join 2022 ACM Best New Female Artist nominee Lily Rose to perform their collaborative track “Sad in the Summer.” Adam Levine and Maroon 5 will debut a new single, “Middle Ground,” and rising star Toosii will perform his hit “Favorite Song,” which recently broke into the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10.
In addition to these guest performances, coaches Chance the Rapper, Kelly Clarkson, Niall Horan and Blake Shelton will each perform alongside their final contestants, giving viewers a mix of solo guest sets and coach-artist collaborations during the two-night event.
Which coaches will probably skip it!
Blake Shelton started with The Voice when it launched in 2011, alongside original coaches CeeLo Green, Adam Levine and Christina Aguilera. While the finale will include many former coaches, not all past contributors are expected to appear. Christina Aguilera, who departed after season 10, has publicly criticized the show in the past and is not expected to take part in the farewell. Similarly, former coach Alicia Keys has indicated she does not have a close relationship with Shelton and is likely to sit this one out.
Despite a few notable absences, the finale lineup promises a wide range of performances and tributes. With longtime collaborators, past coaches and several high-profile guest artists confirmed to appear, NBC and the show’s producers appear focused on delivering a heartfelt and entertaining goodbye to one of the series’ defining personalities.