Adam Levine apparently made no secret of his desire to bow out of The Voice for its upcoming 17th season — and it’s said he ignited the fury of some NBC execs in the process.
As we reported, the Maroon 5 frontman’s exit was announced by Carson Daly on the Today show Friday morning, just a week after it was announced that he would be returning for Season 17.
It’s unclear exactly what changed in between that time, but insiders can agree on one thing: Adam’s been checked out for some time!
This was obvious when the Girls Like You singer took the stage with his fellow Voice coaches at the NBC Upfronts presentation in New York on May 13. As he sang for advertisers alongside Kelly Clarkson, Blake Shelton and John Legend, the usually enthusiastic performer was said to be “nearly motionless” — and execs weren’t happy about it.
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One insider told TV Line:
“Adam had been checked out for a while, but this was a new low. It was essentially the straw that broke the camel’s back.”
Adam’s apathy has been coming to a boil over the past few months, largely due to frustration with the singing competition’s confusing new rules and battles. His disgruntlement was obvious during the pre-taping of Season 16’s Semi-finals on May 12, with an eyewitness claiming the pop rocker was “very difficult” during the entire taping.
According to TV Line, Levine expressed annoyance before the taping at having to be present when, at that point, he had no performers left in the race. He also reportedly rebuffed opportunities to give commentary to the other judges’ artists — and when he did, his words were quite salty.
Instead of offering advice while talking with Team Kelly’s Rod Stokes, Levine lamented about the new changes to The Voice’s format, saying:
“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.”
Clearly, home boy was over it… and the following day at Radio City Music Hall, his NBC bosses took notice.
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Paul Telegdy, co-chairman of NBC Entertainment, was said to be particularly upset after witnessing Levine’s half-assed performance at NBC’s upfront showcase. One insider said the exec was “embarrassed” and “furious” that the artist behaved so unprofessionally in front of the very people who pay his $26 million annual salary.
Accounts differ as to what happened next. One source said Telegdy immediately called for Adam’s firing, but quickly backed off on that position. Another insider mused that Levine’s exit was “at the very least, a mutual decision.”
We think it’s safe to say Adam got what he wanted.
[Image via NBC]
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