NBC’s ‘The Voice’ season 5: Shakira confirms exit; Cee Lo Green likely to return

One day after we reported that Christina Aguilera had signed a whopping new deal in order to return to “The Voice” for its fifth season, it looks as though the woman filling in for her is officially out. That’s right, “Whenever, Wherever” can no longer be Shakira’s motto. She has other commitments now, with the most important one being a child that she gave birth to in between filming the early rounds of the show and the live performances.

The “Hips Don’t Lie” singer confirmed her exit in an interview with E! News, explaining frankly that her family and her music career were the primary factors in figuring out what she wanted to do in the months ahead:

“It was a hard decision for me to make, because I’m really fond of the coaches, the people in production and everybody around me. And I really enjoyed The Voice, but I also have a musical career and I’m also a mother now and my poor baby’s so tired flying such long distances. He already has more miles than any pilot. So I think I have to give him a little break, and we’ll see what happens in the future.”

Meanwhile, sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that Usher, who has a movie role coming up, also is expected to depart after his one-season stint. Cee Lo Green is in talks to return to the show, and will guest-mentor some of the contestants for Shakira’s team this coming week in the place of Joel Madden.

In the end, this all is hardly surprising. We knew going into this season that Shakira and Usher were meant to be fill-ins, so it’s hard to be upset when this is what they end up being.

Are you bummed at all about Shakira and Usher both potentially saying goodbye? The link here should give you some more insight into Aguilera’s ultimate return.

Photo: NBC