The time has come for Adam Levine to leave The Voice. Even though we wish he decided to stay on the singing competition show for one more season, he’s decided to part ways with the popular program to take on new opportunities.

“Thank you NBC for signing me up. I am truly honored to have been a part of something I’ll always cherish for the rest of my life. Thank you to every single coach I ever sat in those chairs with. That is [the] shared experience that is singularly ours,” he shared to Instagram on Friday, May 24. “We have that for life. Thank you to everyone who supported this long strange and amazing left turn into a place I never thought I’d go. Thank you Carson Daly for babysitting the musicians and making sure our shoes were tied and we had our lunch boxes. You are the backbone of this thing and we appreciate you more than you know.”

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In Adam’s long heartfelt post he also explained that he made the decision to leave the show because “it was time to move on.” His pal Carson broke the news to fans that the Maroon 5 frontman wouldn’t be returning for Season 17 during a recent episode of the Today show.

“After 16 seasons, Adam Levine, our beloved coach and friend, has decided to leave The Voice,” Carson shared. “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.”

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“He will always be a cherished member of The Voice family. We wish him nothing but the best,” he continued. Once Adam exits the show, he’ll be replaced by “Cool” singer Gwen Stefani. With four studio albums under her belt and a few seasons of experience, she’ll definitely be a great addition to the popular singing program.