NBC is bringing back Gwen Stefani to the iconic red chair in "The Voice" season 9. The announcement was made Wednesday by NBC's president of alternative and latenight programming Paul Telegdy.
He said, "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. The expertise and camaraderie of this panel will provide an immeasurable experience for the artists and must-see entertainment for all who are watching."
Stefani will once again replace pop superstar Christina Aguilera as one of the coaches in the upcoming season, which she also did back in season 7. The No Doubt lead singer and fashion icon will join Pharell Williams, and the two original coaches Blake Shelton and Adam Levine to search for the next winner in the popular singing reality competition. Carson Daly is also said to be returning as the show's host.
In a press release obtained by the Entertainment Weekly, the "Hollerback Girl" singer said, "I'm coming back and am so excited! I can't believe I get to return to The Voice. 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."
In season 7, Stefani decided to steal country singer Craig Wayne Boyd from Team Blake after Shelton chose James David Carter over him in the first battle rounds, but Shelton stole Boyd again from her during the knockout rounds when she picked Jamaican singer Anita Antoinette. Boyd was eventually declared the winner by the end of the season.
Aguilera is reportedly skipping the ninth season of the competition because of several family matters, but reps of the pop star claimed that the singer will return for the show's 10th season.
"The Voice" season 9 is expected to begin in September.
