Blake: Parade
The Voice Turns 10! Blake Shelton and Carson Daly Give a Rare Behind-the-Scenes Peek of Season 20
This season, The Voice is celebrating a decade as one of the top-rated singing competition series on television. It wasn’t the first such show, but according to TV Guide critic Matt Roush, “It rode in on American Idol’s coattails and then upstaged it with a killer gimmick.” He’s talking about the Blind Auditions, of course—often the most intense and tear-jerking part of the NBC show, as host-producer Carson Daly huddles offstage with supportive (but often semi-hysterical) families while the judges choose their teams without seeing the artists. With that dramatic audition setup and a fun mix of strongly opinionated celebrity judges, The Voice not only revived the genre but also proved to have incredible staying power, finishing the 2019–20 season as one of the top-rated reality shows.
As season 20 gets rolling, with judges Blake Shelton, Kelly Clarkson, Nick Jonas and John Legend, Parade discusses the show with Shelton and Daly, looks back at some of the wows and whoopsies, explores who’s the most competitive coach of them all and shares a few spoilers about the milestone season.
Behind the Scenes With Blake Shelton
The winningest coach of them all dishes with Parade.
Could you have envisioned in season one the show being where it is today in season 20?
None of us knew it would be this big and still going so strong after 20 seasons. It has changed my life both personally and professionally, and I can’t believe how fast the time has gone by. I can’t believe it took so long to get rid of Adam [Levine] either.
What have been some of the biggest highlights over the seasons for you?
All I ever wanted to do was be a country singer, and I moved to Nashville right after I graduated high school, so I know why people chase this music dream! To be able to help them in any way, give them some advice I’ve learned along the way and watch them literally blossom on the stage is my highlight every season.
How has the show evolved since season one?
The show is a much bigger production now than it was when we started, and we have moved to a new and bigger stage. The performances now have the production level of an awards show, and it’s incredible for these artists to have such an amazing platform every week.
Do you have a favorite moment? Or the funniest thing you ever said?
I don’t remember half the crap I say, but I guess making fun of Adam’s outfits and hairdos was always fun—and so damn easy. I mean, if you dress like a mime, I’m going to remind you not to talk.
What’s the best thing that has come out of The Voice for you, personally?
Well, obviously, it’s Gwen Stefani. She’s the most understanding, kindhearted person that I’ve ever met, and I learn something from her every day. She saved my life. But I’ve made some of the most important relationships that will last a lifetime because of The Voice. There are many great friendships, from the coaches to Carson and the crew and staff. It’s a family!
How real is the rivalry between the coaches?
To be in this business, you have to have a competitive spirit, and that’s what we bring to the stage every night. Gwen is less competitive than I am, but she sure did enjoy winning last season, and I was thrilled for her! And, of course, I did love beating Adam season after season. But at the end of the day, we’re all friends, and we support each other personally and professionally.
How much support do you give to your contestants after the show is over?
I think the continued support that I’m able to offer contestants after the season ends is one of the reasons why they come to my team in the first place. RaeLynn and Sundance Head came out on tour with us, and many others play shows at our Ole Red venues in Nashville, Orlando, Gatlinburg [Tennessee] and my hometown of Tishomingo [Oklahoma] throughout the year. These relationships keep going even after their season ends.