NBC’s ‘The Voice’: Usher, Shakira may return for season 6 after season 5 absence

We are starting to get a little bit more of a sense as to what the judging panel for “The Voice” is starting to be moving forward, and also what the show would probably like to be at the end of the day: A show with a constantly-rotating panel of musical giants, that way there is always something fresh and familiar going on.

The problem? We’re not sure that rotating judges is needed to keep things fresh. Take, for example, the latest news coming out now that Usher and Shakira, despite not being a part of the upcoming fifth season, could still be around for a sixth. The two superstars are in talks to make that happen following some creative and commercial success this spring (which seems to be built up at least in part by Christina Aguilera haters’ fervent celebrations).

By this same token, Usher and Shakira signing new deals would mean that Cee Lo Green and Christina would be limited once again to the fall version of the show, and then be given another break to do other things. In some ways, this is a nice little arrangement for them if they are hoping to keep a little bit of time to themselves. Then again, you also have to wonder how much of this Adam Levine and Blake Shelton are going to take. Neither one of the boys has taken a season off since the beginning, with them joking at times that they are afraid they will be replaced if they do. Given that they are extremely relevant these days, and touring / family life are difficult with huge time commitments, we do see it happening at some point in the next two years.

Shakira and Usher will continue for now judging the rest of the season, and will hopefully dish out some more advice to some contestants who certainly seem as though they need it right about now.

Photo: NBC