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Adam Levine‘s disastrous, much-derided performance at the NBC Upfronts presentation on May 13 was foreshadowed the day prior on Universal’s Stage 12 — aka home of The Voice. The singing competition was pre-tapingSeason 16’s Semifinals on a Sunday vs. airing live on Monday because Levine and fellow coaches Kelly Clarkson, Blake Shelton and John Legend were due at the aforementioned event in New York the next day.
By all accounts, Levine did not want to attend that Sunday taping. As one source tells TVLine, the Maroon 5 frontman expressed frustration beforehand at having to be present when, at that point, he had no artists left in the Season 16 race. And he did not hide his frustration. One eyewitness tells TVLine that Levine was “very difficult” during the entire taping, refusing opportunities to offer commentary to the other judges’ performers.
At least in part, Levine’s attitude might have stemmed from resentment of a Season 16 rule change that didn’t guarantee that each coach went to the Live Playoffs with the same number of team members. Season 16’s Live Cross Battles — which replaced the trademark Knockouts — cut his team in half (from eight members to four) and ultimately left him with zero singers by the Semifinals. (In Season 15, the Knockouts sent each coach to the Playoffs with six team members).
During the episode that aired May 13, the odd coach out praised Team Blake Shelton’s Andrew Sevener, Team John Legend’s Maelyn Jarmon and Shawn Sounds, and Team Kelly Clarkson’s Rod Stokes, but host Carson Daly didn’t even go to Levine for comment after solo performances by the rest of the Top 8. What’s more, while talking with Stokes, Levine’s disgruntlement with alterations to The Voice‘s format rose to the surface. “I still don’t understand how you’re not on my team. I don’t think anybody does, just ’cause it’s weird how it works now,” he said. “I’m still learning the rules of the new show.”
But it was when Levine brought his apathy out on stage at Radio City Music Hall — in front of his NBC bosses hosting the annual Upfront showcase of returning and new programming — that things came to a head. Singing on stage alongside his fellow coaches, Levine was near-motionless — a stark contrast to his much more enthusiastic and animated colleagues. “Adam had been checked out for a while,” notes an NBC insider, “but this was a new low. It was essentially the straw that broke the camel’s back.”
Paul Telegdy was said to be particularly incensed. The co-chairman of NBC Entertainment witnessed Levine’s performance firsthand and, per multiple sources, was not happy with what he saw. One insider says the exec was “embarrassed” and “furious” that Levine exhibited such indifference in front of the very people (read: advertisers) who pay his $26-million annual salary.
Although accounts differ as to what happened next, one NBC source says Telegdy called for Levine’s immediate firing (a position he quickly backed off on). Another source at the network insists Telegdy and his fellow execs were very appreciative that in the middle of a week of live shows, the coaches flew to New York, on Mother’s Day, to perform early Monday morning.
But one thing is clear: Something changed between May 10, when NBC announced that Levine was returning for Season 17, and the morning of May 24, when his exit was announced by Daly on the Today show. As one insider observes, “This was, at the very least, a mutual decision.”
Levine’s rep declined to comment, instead pointing TVLine to the singer’s official statement. An NBC rep similarly declined comment.
He’s not wrong. The cross battles seemed ridiculous to me as well. I checked out a few weeks ago, for the first time ever. I doubt I’ll be back now.
They should have him host a show called “America’s Next Top Douchebag”. He’s be perfect.
^this
Lmfao!!!
Lana, I did the same thing. I didn’t like the format change at all.
The format change turned it into the Blake show. As it’s becoming clear, people often vote for someone because they’re on Blake’s team and not who the best performance might have been. The show should have known better.
Not sure why anyone would think it turned into the Blake show. Winning being the ultimate goal, it ended up as an almost sure thing for the finalist not on his team; because, all of the “country/western” votes were split between 3 people. Everyone else who voted only had one choice.
Still, I’m sure Blake was more than happy to get 3 of his singers in the finals. Yes, I voted for the one non Blake singer to win. I expect everyone who was sick of country dominating the finals did the same.
Given the format of the show…allowing coaches to be pushed out by voters before they even get to the semifinals is asking for trouble. NBC brought this on themselves. If they don’t change the format, I’m done with the “Fake Voice”.
Maybe it’s time for Blake to go and it not be any original judges anymore? While I think Shelton is a great singer, I personally stopped watching The Voice a number of seasons ago because I was tired of both he and Levine on it. Have a while new panel and quite possibly a number of old watchers may come back?
I agree with u there Mike
What is the difference between that and “guaranteeing” each one had someone in the semi’s? That means rigged to me. Not like the format change is not the same as being a sore loser, plain & simple. And that’s what he is.
Levine should have left when he put one of his team members ‘under the bus’ by telling people to vote for one of his other singer who was absent. That was betrayal! Blake keeps winning because, it seems, that more country fans vote.; not necessarily because he has the best singers.
I only ever watch the auditions of the Voice US. I’ll watch the whole thing for the Voice AU or UK, but he US show… isn’t good.
I don’t like the Cross Battles. Prefer the Knockout rounds better
i like the knockout rounds better too and if they keep the cross battles and adam levine leaves the Voice will go down the tubes which will be a shame. One of the main reasons i really like the voice other than the talent we see is the fun relationship between Adam and Blake.
You just can’t have it both ways .. How do you expect your superbowl superstar to sell the show when you’ve sold out all his artists with a ridiculous change that turned it into Blake’s Country Voice. There is no room for rock and roll artists on this show y’all. Happy to free up this time in my schedule next season.
Completely agree!! Not to mention the Instant Save is not available to viewers in the Mountain and Pacific time zones. That’s always been a pet peeve of mine.
And the Instant Save is a very different voter group then the regular voters, given how it works.
That’s such nonsense. Blake, Kelly or John had every chance of having their teams demolished. And if you watched you would have seen Adam challenged Blake the majority of the time with the intention of wiping out his team. Think. In the cross battles each performer had a chance. Why didn’t Adams team get voted through? It was left up to us. I voted. But a lot of people complain and never vote. It wasn’t the Blake show. Kelly show. John show. No. This comes back to Adam.
It comes back to Adam for sure, but it also is a function of the format change. It was a bad one.
As said by others before me, the Instant Save voters do not include the 2 Western timezones. This immediately gives an advantage to the country singers. The show has always tended towards country singers to begin with, but to then design a format that helped that come into more focus was a huge mistake on the show’s producer’s part. The format change was a bad decision and hopefully they will rethink it as well as getting rid of the instant saves.
That being said, Adam is supposed to be a professional. It appears that he was basically an adult toddler throwing a temper tantrum. They were correct to fire him and they would be correct to force his removal from the Songwriting show that he is EP on that will begin to air soon. Adam can be a professional or he can be a stereotypical out of control musician, there are consequences for both and he is learning that now.
(Plus what in god’s name was NBC thinking paying that guy 26million a year? Save some money guys and make some good scripted content instead.)
Adam was set up for failure here. After what happened at the end of last season when he was criticized for not supporting one of his singers…the fans had it in for him. Given that scenario…the rule change that made the voting even more fan centric was bound to kill off Adam’s team. The bottom line is this…voters are picking the coach as much as they are picking the singer…probably more. Blake has the most fans…so his team stays. At this point, Adam had the fewest fans and he got waxed.
They call it “The Voice”, but that is clearly not true. They should call it “The Coach”.
I agree. I stopped watching when Adam left. It turned into the Blake and Gwen show. For my part they can take this show off the air.
perfectly said…..this last season sent home some very talented artists….it turned into the Blake Show….I was soooooo happy Maelynn won. Adam’s attitude did show signs of his displeasure, but I felt the same way….and as far as the bantering between him and Blake…it was not nasty….those fans who are just country tried to portray it that way….they’re both running out of things to say ……
“How do you expect your superbowl superstar to sell the show when you’ve sold out all his artists with a ridiculous change that turned it into Blake’s Country Voice.” Easy, by pulling out his contract to remind himself of the obligations he signed up for in return for the millions of dollars NBC paid him.
I believe the format change turned off a lot of viewers. If the format is not corrected, The Voice may be headed to the cancellation heap.
I’m curious to see if they’re going to stick to the format they did this last time or if they’re going to go back to their old format
His salary is $26 million annually?!?! Wow.
That is a lot of money to give up I did not like the new format this season. I liked John but did not think he fit in as a judge. Like Alisha Keys.
I’d do it for a hundredth as much! :))
I doubt you’d bring in a hundreth of the eyeballs that Adam does
Of course! I’m infinitely less famous and know infinitely less about music and the music industry. It was a joke.
…and people say AI judges are paid too much.
The cross battles were a disaster and hopefully they never use that format again. That being said, Adam has been grumpy and checked out for awhile now. He’s got a new show, he probably would’ve been leaving soon anyway. Too bad it was so abrupt.
LW: What new show? I have not heard of Adam Levine having a new show, but would love to know! Also, I agree with you about the cross battles and skipped the season that just aired. I also agree with some who have expressed the thought that the show is too heavily country music, partly due to Blake’s huge following. I have liked all of the coaches since season 1, but it’s hard to hold up for as long as Blake and Adam have done. As for those of you scoffing at how much 💰Adam was getting: 1) I’m sure Blake is making at least the same and 2) if you aren’t in the same world or pay grade as these entertainers of course that’s going to look ridiculously high dollar to you. Take a look at some other multi-million dollar salaries for some perspective.
He is an executive producer for Songbird.
Songland
$26,000,000 ????? Are you joking? Let him go.
Has anyone’s star fallen further than his in the last couple of years? He is way too full of himself.
His band just had the biggest hit of their career. The Super Bowl thing was a mess but people quickly forgot about it.
The Voice is probably on it’s last legs anyways.
Biggest hit of their career? Really? I can’t think of a single new song they’ve come out with in the last two years, but I vividly remember the disaster of the Super Bowl show.
I don’t think people have forgotten the SuperBowl. I know I haven5. It was terrible
He favors certain members of his team also, and that is not right, if I were a contestant I would never pick him anyway.
Maybe it’s because he sucks as a coach?? {shrugs}
They need to look no further than the ratings decline! Adam i jumping off a sinking ship a good for him.
Paul Telegedy really said that? I doubt it. Anyway, let’s see how the cookie crumbles. Changes at the show have been long overdue. NBC should do the classic voice per season and either the Kids/Senior version as the 2nd cycle.
I don’t think those ad buyers are happy to see how low the ratings have gone and not getttng value for their cash. I could bet axing Adam just offered itself as an efficient form oof cost cutting it we’re to believe what he earns. Wanna bet Gwen earns much much less??!!
Totally agree on starting a Voice Kids show in the US.
I’d watch a kid show
Adam checked out a while ago from the show and you could tell. The straw for me was throwing one of his own under the bus for that Reagan (spelling is probably wrong oh well) who couldn’t perform that one night. I wish him luck in whatever he does now aside from his band and being a dad/husband but I’m happy to see him finally go.
He should have set this cycle out due to that fiasco.
It’s a competition and he made bad choices in the last two cycles.
He’s being done with the show for a long time. It is a much needed break. I personally dislike the show because no matter how many talented singers there are in the show, somehow the country singers always come at top. It gets very annoying especially in last season when Kennedy lost to a country singer (I’m sorry I can’t remember her name)
Awwww, the poor multimillionaire having to show up to work. I feel so bad for him.
/sarcasm. What a whiner.
I love all the judges. I liked watching Adam and Blake with their antics. Shows need laughter and fun to stay connected to the audience. I am not in favor of the cross battles at all, but they tried it and hopefully the producers listen to the people and go back to the way it was done. I will definitely miss Adam and hopefully he will come back. I love The Voice and will continue to watch
No one is surprised by this, Levine had been getting nastier and nastier as the seasons went on. He seems very petty and is all about winning than actually mentoring a singer.
This. Which the contestants are aware of and why they don’t pick him. People on this show want music careers, they want mentors.
That’s not what the singers say. I read an article a year or so ago on what contestants say, and everyone who’d had Adam as a coach loved him and praised him for keeping in touch long after the show. I hate this and I don’t blame him for being pissed at that idiotic cross-battle thing. For me, this was worst season ever and it’s getting hard to stay interested. Gwen as his replacement doesn’t thrill me either.
This is all, to put it nicely, garbage. The show is rigged as are all REALITY SHOWS. It ‘s all about ratings and making money of course. Entertainment at its greediest
I don’t watch reality trash, but I was a fan of Maroon 5, so I have an opinion. His little snit is hard to justify, but his firing is. It’s when things aren’t going your way that your professionalism is supposed to kick in. Clearly, he doesn’t possess that particular talent. He needs to be exiled for a while…at least.
Well, the cross-battles are terrible. If they continue with them, they should come up with something for the coaches to do if they’re eliminated, like mentor one of the other teams. But having said that, Adam has been acting like a brat for a while and the producers have retaliated by not putting him on camera or not calling on him to comment. He was really in the penalty box last season over the Reagan kerfuffle. And this year it’s like he did everything he could to look ugly and moody.
I give the Voice credit for at least trying the Cross Battles — which had successfully been used on other international versions of The Voice — and trying to keep the show relevant by occasionally changing the format. Yes, it did not work well and they should probably think about doing something similar to the Knockouts to help keep the teams even heading into the Live Shows.
As far as Adam goes, no show or company or team can live with an unhappy person whose heart is not in his or her work. Yes, the new format hurt him more than others but his heart has been missing for the last few seasons. He hasn’t won since Season 9 and has only had a couple (I think) of talents in the final two since. It was time for him to go.
As far as those complaining about the country contestants dominating The Voice, that is not the fault of the producers. It’s clear that country music fans make up the majority of the show’s viewership and they are the ones voting for the winners. As long as a popular vote is the method of choosing a champion, chances are the country singers will almost always have one or two in the final three or four.
People need to remember that what it all boils down to is that this is a TV show and not a Presidential election. It’s meant to be fun and no one is harmed by whoever ends up being voted by the fans as the winner.
Yes, this. People get all caught up with “America saves…” as if everybody in the US has voted, but it’s just that a portion of the show’s audience has bothered to declare a preference.
So it proves he’s another Hollywood douche bag prima donna
Well at least they got us talking about something other than how bad this season was.
Who cares at this point? 16 cycles and The Voice has yet to have a legitimate artist come out of that show.
Exactly
Hate the cross battle. He’s right. Better when they have a stake in the game closer to the end.