Adam Levine 'infuriated NBC execs' with dismal Upfronts performance and complained he didn't like new show format before his sudden exit from The Voice
Adam Levine was unhappy with a recent rule change on The Voice and made his feelings clear at a taping before giving a 'disastrous' performance at the Upfronts last week, a new report claims.
The musician, who announced his plans to leave the NBC talent series on Friday, apparently did not want to attend the Sunday taping of the competition last week, which took place a day before he was due to appear at the NBC Upfronts presentation on May 13 with his castmates.
The Maroon 5 singer 'didn't like that he had no artists left in the race' for the taping of the season 16 Semifinals on May 12.
It was time: Adam Levine had been left frustrated with the new format of The Voice and expressed his feelings at a recent taping of the series before announcing his exit from the show on Friday
An eyewitness told TVLine that Adam, 40, was 'very difficult' during the taping and was reluctant to provide commentary to the other judges' performers.
The rule change means that the coaches are not guaranteed to have the same number of team members heading into the Live Playoffs.
Adam's team was cut in half at the season 16 Live Cross Battles - which replaced the trademark Knockouts - and he was ultimately left with zero singers by the Semifinals.
In the previous season the Knockouts sent each coach into the Playoffs with six team members.
'He was checked out': One day after the awkward taping for the Semifinals Adam gave a 'disastrous' performance at the NBC Upfronts on May 13 - pictured here during his 'motionless' performance with his castmates
What's the point? The Maroon 5 singer apparently didn't like that he had no artists left in the race for the taping of the season 16 Semifinals on May 12
In the episode that aired May 13, host Carson Daly didn't go to Adam for comment after the solo performances of most of the top eight.
And Adam was vocal about his frustrations about the format change as he told Kelly Clarkson's singer Rod Stokes: '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,
'I’m still learning the rules of the new show.' he added.
The day after the taping, at the annual Upfronts showcase at Radio City Music Hall, Adam was apparently 'motionless' on stage during a performance with his co-judges John Legend, Kelly Clarkson and Blake Shelton, who all seemed enthusiastic and animated.
On the episode that aired May 13 Adam told one of the singers: 'I still don't understand how you're not on my team. It's weird how it works now, I’m still learning the rules of the new show.'
Not cool: Adam apparently angered NBC execs as he seemed 'indifferent' during the performance with Blake Shelton, Kelly Clarkson and John Legend
'This was a new low. It was essentially the straw that broke the camel’s back.' an NBC insider revealed
'Adam had been checked out for a while,' an NBC insider said, 'but this was a new low. It was essentially the straw that broke the camel’s back.'
Co-chairman of NBC Entertainment Paul Telegdy was said to be 'embarrassed' and 'furious' that Adam acted so indifferent in front of the people who pay his huge $26 million salary.
Telegdy is rumored to have demanded Adam's immediate firing before changing his mind.
While a separate source at NBC says Telegdy and his fellow execs were very appreciative that the coaches flew to New York on Mother’s Day to perform early Monday.
Meanwhile, Daly made the announcement early on Friday morning on the Today show that the 40-year-old Girls Like You singer, who is wed to supermodel Behati Prinsloo, will not be a part of season 17.
'After 16 seasons, Adam Levine, our beloved coach and friend, has decided to leave The Voice,' Daly, 45, stated.
Announcement: Adam revealed the news himself on Instagram Friday writing a lengthy message thanking fans and everyone involved in production
'Adam was one of the original coaches that launched the show, winning the competition three times and inspiring many of the artists he worked closely with over the years,' he added.
'Of course, many viewers will miss his frenemy relationship with Blake Shelton. He will always be a cherished member of The Voice family. We wish him nothing but the best.'
Shortly after, Levine revealed the news himself on Instagram writing a lengthy message thanking fans and everyone involved in production, alongside a snap of the Rolling Stone cover featuring some of The Voice cast.
'About 8 years ago, Mark Burnett convinced us to sign up for this show where you sit in a big red chair with your back turned away from the singers on the stage. First thank you must go to Mark.'
Steady Eddie: Levine has appeared on every season of The Voice since its 2011 debut. Seen with wife Behati Prinsloo in 2015
'We had no idea what we were doing or where it was going. After the first day of shooting, I sat there, stunned. I said to myself "there's some magic here. Something is definitely happening." It went on to be a life shaping experience that will be close to my heart forever.
Levine then addressed his frenemy Shelton, poking fun at their faux feud, 'I couldn’t hide my love for you if I tried. Seriously. I tried. Can’t do it. Our friendship is and always will be one for the books.
'Whatever this whole surreal experience was, I'm just happy I got to experience it with you. You're my brother for life.'
He concluded his message writing to his fans, 'There's literally no show without you guys. For me, it was time to move on. Your support has meant EVERYTHING.'
And signed off paying tribute to his late manager Jordan Feldstein, who died of a blood clot in December 2017 at the age of 40.
Levine starred on every season since it first hit the air in 2011.
Bye to his house too: Leaving The Voice is not the only change in Adam's life. He just sold his $45m LA mansion to Ellen DeGeneres
The star won three seasons of the show with contestants Javier Colon (season 1), Tessanne Chin (season 5) and Jordan Smith (season 9).
Carson Daly broke the news on Today
Blake's girlfriend of four years Gwen Stefani is set to return for season 17.
'With Adam's departure you might be wondering, "Well, who's going to be sitting in that coveted big, giant red chair?"' Daly added.
'And I'm happy to share this morning that Gwen Stefani will be returning for season 17. Gwen has sat in the chair before. She met her current boyfriend, Blake Shelton, through the show and we're looking forward to having Gwen back. Next season should be a lot of fun.'
Stefani was on seasons 7, 9, and 12 of The Voice.
Leaving The Voice is not the only change in Adam's life. He just sold his $45m LA mansion to Ellen DeGeneres.
Together Adam and Behati have two daughters: Gio and Dusty.
Good news: Blake's girlfriend of four years Gwen Stefani is set to return for season 17
