‘The Voice’: Shakira Not Returning As Judge — It’s Official

Shakira will not be returning to the hit NBC show 'The Voice.' Unfortunately, the Grammy award-winning artist said she is just too busy to continue being a judge. Are you sad to see her go? Shakira, 37, had hinted before that she may not be returning for another season of The Voice, but now it's official. The "Empire" singer declared on May 13 that she will not be coming back as a judge on the show -- ever.

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May 15, 2014 10:22AM EDT
Shakira Not Returning
Image Credit: Courtesy of NBC

The Voice: Shakira Not Returning As Judge — It’s Official

The Columbian singer-songwriter was originally slated to alternate seasons with Christina Aguilara while Ursher alternated with Cee Lo Green.

However, Shakira’s busy work schedule will be consuming her life for the foreseeable future, leaving no room for her to be a judge on The Voice, she told DigitalSpy.com.

“For now, no, I don’t have any plans of coming back,” she revealed to reporters on May 13. ‘This was always a temporary thing for me to do,” she added. 

Although, the Latin diva has stated that she could make a return to the show. “You never know,” Shakira said. “I never thought I would be on a show like this one. But the nature of the show, you know, the fact that we’re not just judges here, we’re coaches, we’re helping new talent flourish, made me change my mind and made me say yes to being here.”

Shakira’s Not Returning As A Judge On The Voice — It’s Official

Shakira originally joined the NBC show as a coach in its fourth season, before returning for its current sixth season run.

Additionally, Gwen Stefani, and Pharrell Williams have signed on for season seven to take the judge’s seats along with Adam Levine and Blake Shelton.

The experience of being on the show is not lost on Shakira, and she wishes her fellow judges well — for now she just wants to focus on being an artist.

“Honestly, I’ve had a blast. I love the show, I love the people on the show, the producers, the fellow coaches. It’s been real fun,” Shakira said. “But right now, I have to go on with my life as an artist. I’m not really a TV celebrity and I have to prep a tour and also do other stuff, like being a mother.”

HollywoodLifers, are you sad that Shakira’s not returning to take her seat as judge on The Voice, or are you happy she’s leaving? Let us know.

— Bryant Perkins

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