Adam Levine is back on The Voice for Season 27—and while the Maroon 5 frontman is bringing his signature charm to the red chair once again, fans can’t help but notice who’s missing: his former co-coach and comedic sparring partner, Blake Shelton.

As Levine reclaims his spot on the hit NBC show, he’s opening up about the dynamic that once defined an era of The Voice—and why his banter with Shelton still has fans laughing years later. In a candid January 2025 interview with People, Levine didn’t hold back when reflecting on their offbeat but beloved bromance.

“There’s no replacing [Shelton],” Levine said. “The thing that happened with Blake and I, it was so organic. Our friendship was based on this not knowing what the hell was happening, and being silly, and stupid with each other.” Thrown into uncharted territory in 2011 when The Voice was still untested, Levine and Shelton didn’t just adapt—they thrived by leaning into their chemistry. That chemistry, as it turns out, included plenty of ribbing.

Returning to The Voice without Shelton, Levine took the opportunity to fire off one of his classic jabs: “The best part about being back with The Voice family is that I don’t have to deal with Blake Shelton. I just don’t like him. So, it’s been great not having to be around him.” After a beat, he added with a grin, “I’m just kidding. Of course, I love Blake.”

It’s that balance—between biting humor and brotherly affection—that made their on-screen relationship a fan favorite. Whether joking about each other’s musical styles or mock-fighting over contestants, Levine and Shelton built a repartee that was both competitive and deeply rooted in genuine friendship.

Even after leaving the show—Levine in 2019 and Shelton in 2023—the two remained close. They reunited for a T-Mobile Super Bowl commercial in 2021, and Levine says they still talk all the time. The friendly trolling continues even now. Levine recently joked about sitting in Shelton’s old chair, calling it “filthy,” and quipped about getting “11 shady texts” from Shelton after mentoring a country artist. He even disputed comments made by fellow coach Kelsea Ballerini, who quoted Shelton describing Levine as “tough, mean, competitive, and ruthless.”

Levine responded with his trademark sarcasm, suggesting that if Shelton called him ruthless, it was probably a compliment. What made their dynamic so magnetic? According to Levine, it was all about authenticity. “All of a sudden we realized people loved watching us talk s— to each other.

So, we thought, ‘Let’s just do it.’” And do it they did—for 16 seasons. Their back-and-forth became a staple of the show, drawing viewers who tuned in as much for the laughs as for the music.

While Shelton may no longer be coaching, his legacy lives on—especially in the form of the endlessly quotable, meme-worthy exchanges with Levine. As fans embrace Levine’s return, many are already asking the same question: could a Shelton comeback be next? For now, Levine is happy to be back—and just as happy to keep the jokes coming at his old buddy’s expense.

Because in true The Voice fashion, the show must go on. But some partnerships, even off-camera, never really fade.