Usher and Shakira Join 'The Voice'

“The Voice” is singing a new tune. NBC’s singing competition has hired Usher and Shakira to fill in for Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Green next season.

The R&B superstar and Colombian bombshell will coach on the spring edition of the series, while Green and Aguilera take breaks to focus on their careers. Both are expected to return to the show next fall.

“Having award-winning artists as coaches means they need to be able to tour,” said executive producer Mark Burnett (via EW). “Whether in the red chair or on tour, our coaches have their chairs for life. This is exactly why, after three seasons, we needed to allow them to rotate out so they can get on the road amongst their fans. Meanwhile, we’re incredibly excited to have singular artists like Usher and Shakira joining the fold.”

Aguilera will spend her time promoting her upcoming album Lotus. “Since this year NBC and ‘The Voice’ have decided to tape back-to-back seasons, requiring a full-year commitment, it is important for me to take season four off, allowing me to support my music that my fans have been waiting for—with the release of my new album Lotus on November 13,” she said.

Cee Lo Green is preparing a Christmas album, Cee Lo’s Magic Moment, as well as a Vegas show. “I’m highly enthusiastic about focusing my undivided attention on my additional endeavors and interests like my upcoming solo album, new Goodie Mob album, Las Vegas residency Loberace, new memoir, and new NBC comedy,” said the “Forget You” singer. “It’s great to also give a host of other talent the chance to experience what a joy it is to be part of what is truly the best show of them all, ‘The Voice’! I will return for season five and will be watching season four. NBC is home and as far as Usher and Shakira are concerned—’mi casa su casa’.”