The Voice has been a staple of reality television since its debut in 2011, captivating audiences with its unique format and the undeniable charisma of its coaches. Among the many personalities who have graced the iconic red chairs, none have left as lasting an impression as Blake Shelton and Adam Levine. Their bromance—equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and competitive—became a defining feature of the show’s early years, turning casual viewers into die-hard fans. As The Voice prepares for its 28th season in the fall of 2025 with a new lineup of coaches, including Reba McEntire, Niall Horan, Snoop Dogg, and Michael Bublé, the question on everyone’s mind is whether Shelton and Levine will ever reunite on the show. With Levine confirmed to return for Season 29 in 2026 alongside John Legend and Kelly Clarkson, speculation about Shelton’s potential comeback is at an all-time high. Rumors of massive financial offers from NBC, coupled with glimpses of their enduring friendship, have fans buzzing. In this deep dive, we explore the history of their partnership, the reasons behind their departures, the latest developments, and the odds of a historic reunion that could shake up the reality TV world.

The Birth of a TV Bromance

When The Voice premiered on NBC, it introduced a fresh take on singing competitions, emphasizing mentorship over harsh critiques. Blake Shelton, the laid-back country superstar from Oklahoma, and Adam Levine, the slick frontman of Maroon 5, were among the original coaches, joined by Christina Aguilera and CeeLo Green. From the first episode, their chemistry was undeniable. Shelton’s Southern drawl and quick wit clashed hilariously with Levine’s pop-star swagger, creating a dynamic that felt both authentic and entertaining.

Their banter became the stuff of legend. Shelton would poke fun at Levine’s skinny jeans and polished image, while Levine fired back with jabs at Shelton’s cowboy boots and country twang. Memorable moments included Levine gifting Shelton a bedazzled cowboy hat, only for Shelton to retaliate by plastering Levine’s trailer with Maroon 5 posters. These antics weren’t just for the cameras; they reflected a genuine friendship that developed off-screen. In interviews, Shelton described Levine as a brother, while Levine credited Shelton’s humor for keeping him grounded during long filming days.

For 16 seasons, their dynamic was a cornerstone of The Voice’s success. Fans tuned in not just to see new talent but to witness the “Blake and Adam show.” Their playful rivalry extended to their teams, with each fiercely competing to mentor the next big star. Shelton racked up nine wins, while Levine secured three, but their real victory was the connection they forged with viewers. When Levine left after Season 16 in 2019, followed by Shelton after Season 23 in 2023, the show felt noticeably different, leaving fans yearning for a reunion.

Why They Walked Away

Adam Levine’s departure in 2019 came as a surprise to many. After eight years and 16 seasons, the Maroon 5 singer announced he was stepping away to focus on his family and music career. Married to model Behati Prinsloo, with whom he shares three children, Levine cited the need to spend more time at home as a key factor. However, whispers of behind-the-scenes issues surfaced, including frustration with changes to the show’s format and creative differences with producers. Some reports suggested Levine felt the show had lost its original spark, though he never publicly confirmed these claims. Post-Voice, he threw himself into Maroon 5, releasing albums and touring globally, while also dabbling in acting and philanthropy.

Blake Shelton’s exit in 2023 was more emotional. As the longest-serving coach, Shelton had become the heart of The Voice, mentoring countless artists and winning over audiences with his charm. His decision to leave after Season 23 was driven by a desire to prioritize his personal life, particularly his marriage to Gwen Stefani, whom he met on the show. Shelton also became a stepfather to Stefani’s three sons, and the demanding filming schedule of The Voice was taking a toll. In a heartfelt statement, he called the show a life-changing experience but said it was time to step back. His final episode was a tearjerker, featuring tributes from fellow coaches and a star-studded performance.

Both departures left fans reeling. Levine’s exit felt sudden, while Shelton’s marked the end of an era. Yet, neither ruled out a return, keeping hope alive for a potential reunion.

Life After The Voice

Since leaving The Voice, Shelton and Levine have carved out successful paths, but their lives have remained intertwined, keeping their bromance in the spotlight. Adam Levine has focused on Maroon 5, releasing the album Jordi in 2021 and embarking on extensive tours. He’s also expanded his acting portfolio, appearing in films like Begin Again and lending his voice to animated projects. Family remains a priority; Levine and Prinsloo welcomed their third child in 2023, and he’s spoken openly about balancing fatherhood with his career. Despite his busy schedule, Levine hasn’t shied away from teasing Shelton, like when he jokingly commented on Shelton’s guest appearance in the Season 27 finale, saying, “How many miles have you put on my chair?”

Blake Shelton, meanwhile, has solidified his status as a country music titan. He’s released new music, including the 2021 album Body Language, and continued touring, often alongside Stefani. His business ventures have flourished, with Ole Red bars popping up across the U.S. and a game show, Barmageddon, showcasing his playful side. Shelton’s marriage to Stefani has been a media favorite, with the couple sharing glimpses of their life on their Oklahoma ranch. His occasional returns to The Voice, such as performing in the Season 27 finale, have kept him connected to the show and its fans.

Their friendship has endured through these changes. In July 2025, Levine shared a hilarious story about a prank Shelton pulled during their Voice days, gifting him a teacup pig that grew into a 300-pound hog. “Blake thought it was the funniest thing ever, but I was stuck with a giant pet,” Levine laughed. These anecdotes remind fans of the bond that made them so beloved.

Recent Reunions and Fan Frenzy

While a full-fledged coaching reunion hasn’t happened, recent moments have teased the possibility. In the Season 27 finale in May 2025, Shelton returned to perform his hit “God’s Country,” while Levine joined virtually for a bickering session that felt straight out of 2011. The exchange, filled with their signature jabs, went viral, with fans flooding social media with calls for a reunion. Levine’s quip about Shelton “putting miles on his chair” was classic, and Shelton’s grin showed he was loving every second.

Levine has also reacted to Shelton’s guest appearances with playful shade. In an interview, he said, “I’m happy for Blake, but let’s see if he can handle it without me carrying the show.” These moments, coupled with their off-screen interactions, have kept the bromance alive and fans hopeful. Social media platforms like X are abuzz with speculation, with users posting theories about a potential comeback and reminiscing about their favorite Blake-and-Adam moments.

NBC’s Big Bet: The Money Talks

Behind the scenes, NBC is pulling out all the stops to make a reunion happen. The network has struggled to maintain ratings since Shelton’s departure, and Levine’s return for Season 29 has upped the ante. Reports from July 2025 suggest NBC offered Shelton a massive financial package—potentially exceeding $20 million per season—to return alongside Levine. This dwarfs his previous salary, which reportedly climbed to $13 million per season by his exit. Levine earned similar figures during his tenure, and the network sees their combined star power as a surefire way to boost viewership.

The Voice faces stiff competition from shows like American Idol, and NBC is banking on nostalgia to draw viewers back. Insiders say the network is willing to offer perks like a reduced filming schedule to accommodate Shelton’s family life. However, Shelton has been vocal about his contentment outside the show, saying in a recent interview that “no amount of money” could lure him back full-time. Still, the size of the offer and Levine’s confirmed return might tempt him, especially for a limited stint.

Roadblocks to a Reunion

Despite the excitement, challenges remain. Shelton has expressed reluctance to return full-time, citing his fulfilling life with Stefani and her kids. In a May 2025 interview, he said he’d consider guest appearances but wasn’t ready for a full commitment. Levine’s return for Season 29, alongside Legend and Clarkson, complicates matters further. The show’s new three-coach format is a bold change, and adding Shelton could disrupt the dynamic or require a major restructuring.

Personal priorities also play a role. Levine’s touring schedule with Maroon 5 and Shelton’s commitments to his music, businesses, and family mean both would need significant incentives to sign on. Fan sentiment is split: some long for the old days, while others embrace the show’s fresh direction with new coaches. Posts on X reflect this divide, with some users begging for a reunion and others arguing it’s time to move on.

The Bromance: The X-Factor

If anything can bring Shelton and Levine back together, it’s their friendship. Their bond has survived distance, career shifts, and even controversies, like Levine’s 2022 cheating allegations, which Shelton defended him against publicly. Stories of pranks—like the teacup pig saga—and mutual support during milestones, like Shelton’s wedding, show a connection that transcends the show. In a recent interview, Levine teased, “If Blake comes back, I’ll be there,” hinting that their bromance could be the key to a reunion.

Their loyalty to each other is evident. When Levine left The Voice, Shelton was one of his biggest supporters, and Levine has returned the favor, cheering Shelton’s successes. This mutual respect could sway Shelton, especially if Levine personally pushes for a joint return.

What’s Next: A Glimmer of Hope

As The Voice Season 28 kicks off on September 22, 2025, the focus is on the new coaches, but Season 29 looms large. With Levine confirmed, NBC’s hefty offers, and their unshakable bromance, a Shelton cameo—or even a coaching stint—feels within reach. Insiders predict at least a guest appearance, possibly during the finale, but a full season isn’t out of the question if negotiations align.

Fans are holding their breath, knowing a reunion would be more than a ratings grab—it would be a celebration of a TV era. Shelton’s own words, “Never say never,” keep the door open. For now, the tea is piping hot: money, friendship, and fan demand make a Blake Shelton and Adam Levine reunion a tantalizing possibility. Whether they return to bicker in the red chairs or not, their legacy as The Voice’s ultimate bromance is secure.