Cee Lo Green reportedly quit The Voice before being fired via a public announcement on The Ellen DeGeneres Show that left NBC "blindsided."
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NBC reportedly planned to announce the singer's exit as a mutual decision, but Green's choice to drop the bomb earlier than expected left the network unsure of whom will replace him after The Voice's upcoming sixth season, which premieres Monday night and will feature Usher in his spot.
Green had at least one "meltdown" while filming the reality singing competition's fifth edition, according to a TheWrap insider, and his emotional breakdowns were taxing on the show's producers and staff. On at least two occasions, Green reportedly had to leave the set. Around that time, the singer was facing sexual assault and drug charges for allegedly slipping a woman ecstasy and taking her home with him in 2012.
However, NBC denied they were "blindsided" by Green's announcement he's leaving The Voice.
"Cee Lo Green has been an instrumental part of the success of The Voice and we deeply appreciate all his contributions," NBC reality chief Paul Teledgy said in a statement. "We're looking forward to working with him on other upcoming projects that will tap into both his musical and entertainment expertise."
A network representative agreed with Teledgy's sentiment.
"Cee Lo's departure didn't blindside us at all. This was a mutual decision and we're looking forward to working with him in the future on different projects and expect to be in business with him," the representative told TheWrap.
Green's representatives reportedly declined comment when contacted.
Green had told DeGeneres his decision to quit The Voice was amicably reached with NBC and he plans to pursue several new co-ventures. He insisted he didn't want to wear out his welcome on The Voice and he'll be joining artist Lionel Richie on his upcoming tour.
Green starred on The Voice, which debuted in Spring 2011, for its first three seasons alongside fellow original coaches Christina Aguilera, Blake Shelton and Adam Levine.
Green took a break in Season 4, when he was replaced by Usher, but then returned for the show's fifth season. Levine and Shelton have served as mainstay coaches since the beginning, while Aguilera and Shakira -- like Green and Usher -- have been taking turns on the panel in recent seasons. Shakira and Usher will star in Season 6 with Levine and Shelton.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski
