Adam Levine is heading back to the red chair, and he’s reflecting honestly on how wild things were in the early days of “The Voice.” As NBC prepares to roll out season 29 in spring 2026, Levine is opening up about the show’s chaotic beginnings, how much it has evolved, and why the timing finally felt right for him to return.
Adam Levine Reflects on Early ‘The Voice’ Seasons Being ‘Out of Control’
Levine was one of the four original Coaches when “The Voice” premiered, joining Christina Aguilera, Blake Shelton, and CeeLo Green in season 1. Looking back, Levine admits the early seasons were anything but polished.
“It used to just be kind of crazy,” Levine told NBC Insider, laughing. “We were like the Rolling Stones or something. It was like chaos. CeeLo had a bird. We were like a punk rock band. It was wild thinking back on it; it was so out of control.”
More than a decade later, Levine says both he and the show have matured. He credits the evolution of the series with creating a calmer, more efficient environment behind the scenes.
“The general tone and the efficiency of the show…has gotten so pleasant,” Levine said. “It’s just gotten so different, in a good way, and efficient, and kind of mellow. As boring as that may sound, it’s actually really wonderful. And I’m so proud.”
Levine originally stepped away from “The Voice” in 2019 after appearing in 16 consecutive seasons. At the time, he explained that the nonstop pace of juggling the show and his music career had taken its toll.
Speaking on “The Howard Stern Show,” Levine said, “I was ready to not be doing it anymore … for a little bit. When it all naturally happened, I was like, ‘OK, this feels right.’…This was the right time for me to go. For eight-and-a-half years, I was so busy — [I] had the band, [I] had ‘The Voice.’ I was beyond fortunate to go through all of it because it was a life-altering experience being on that show … and then it got to the point where I got married, I had two kids, and I wanted to spend time with them.”
Why the Maroon 5 Frontman Says the Timing Is Right for Season 29
Levine returned briefly for season 27, sat out season 28, and is now officially back for season 29 — this time with a completely new format. Season 29, titled “The Voice: Battle of Champions,” will feature just three Coaches, all of whom have previously won the competition: Levine, Kelly Clarkson, and John Legend.
According to Levine, the decision to return didn’t involve a long internal debate.
“The opportunity came at the right moment and I was really ready,” Levine told NBC Insider. “One thing led to another and here I am. It didn’t involve too much deliberation or overthinking. I kind of just felt ready.”
Season 29 will also introduce several new twists to shake up the competition. During the Blind Auditions, the Coaches will compete to earn the most three-chair turns, with the winner gaining an advantage once the Battles begin. There’s also a new Super Steal, which allows one Coach to block another Coach’s steal and keep an Artist for themselves.
The Knockouts will look different as well. The show will bring back Artists from past seasons for an In-Season All-Star Competition, where they’ll face off in head-to-head sing-offs. CeeLo Green will return during this round to judge the performances, and his picks will determine which Coach earns a second Artist in the Finale.
NBC is also revamping voting for the Semi-Finals and Finale, introducing a new block of super fans and former Voice Artists who will vote live from the studio audience.
“The Voice” Season 29, subtitled “The Voice: Battle of Champions,” premieres on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 9/8c on NBC
Happy about Adam returning, but why are they messing with the show? Wasn’t thrilled with how rushed this last season was, or how little show was actually aired. One hour a week, and we didn’t get to see many of our favorites sing. Then the coaches seemed to be cutting some of the best singers and keeping ppl that weren’t as good. I miss the way the show used to be. We want to see the details. We get invested in these contestants. Now they’re only going to have 3 judges, so I’m assuming it’s another rushed season,and there will be less episodes again.
I think it’s only fair that there be two male judges and two female judges…