Viewers may have to wait until later in the year to see their favorite singing competition, with NBC moving to just one cycle of The Voice a year, but that's only bound to increase the anticipation for the beloved show and its celebrity judges. Every judge that has appeared on The Voice has been a great choice for prime-time entertainment. From Pharrell Williams to Blake Shelton, there are very versatile personalities among the judges, meaning there is a certain type of mentor for every contestant that auditions.
From more reserved personalities to wild and extravagant ones, the clash of energies surely makes for great TV and is the reason why The Voice is one of the best singing competitions currently on TV. Each judge has said their fair share of iconic quotes over the years, all of which are very exemplary of their personality and judging style.
Pharrell Williams (Season 7-10)
“Where Do I Begin With That Tone? Your Voice Is Like Silk.”
Though the famous producer and artist is normally very soft-spoken, his words have immense value and fans can agree that he has a beautiful way of uplifting contestants with his words. Pharrell was never one to get too competitive or hasty with his button-pushes, however, every action he put into place had much thought and consideration behind it, which is partly why he made for such a great coach.
Williams' loving and comforting nature is no doubt why some contestants picked him to be their coach, aside from his immense talent and experience in the music business.
Christina Aguilera (Season 1-3, 5, 8, 10)
“Don’t Be Fooled In This Stage Of The Competition, Because You’d Be Blind To Go With [Blake] As Your Coach.”
While Christina Aguilera initially came across as a polite and easygoing judge, she quickly learned the ropes of trash-talking. New judges are typically apprehensive to cause waves or make a case for themselves against other judges, however, the novices always quickly realize that it's okay to play a little dirty in order to gain team .
Though she appears very competitive in nature, fans of the show can tell Aguilera has a genuine heart and ion for the music world, which is likely why contestants jumped at the bit to choose her as their coach, in addition to her talent, of course.
Alicia Keys (Season 11, 12, 14)
“I Plan To Win It Again! I’m A Monster, I’m A Beast, I Don’t Stop.”
This soft-spoken and peaceful popstar has a competitive side, and that's apparent during her time as a judge on The Voice. Even in times when she was on a determined mission to build her team, Alicia Keys' kindness and encouraging energy were sure to shine through.
Aside from her positive singing reputation, Keys was often a great judge pick for contestants that needed that extra boost in confidence. This quote definitely shows off her quiet determination.
John Legend (Season 16-21)
“I Was Expecting To Be Welcomed By People Who I Thought Were My Friends!”
Another "chill" type of judge that every fan seems to love, John had a polite approach even when he first ed the show. Legend seemed to be caught off guard in the beginning by his fellow judges' cut-throat competitive nature, which made for a fun time.
However, Legend was quick to hold his own and was even able to sneak in a few unexpected and sneaky blocks against other judges. By now, he has figured out how to remain his soft and humble self all while being a cut-throat competitor when necessary.
Miley Cyrus (Season 11, 13)
“You’re America’s Sweetheart! I Lost That Job A Few Years Ago, But You Can Take Over.”
The very self-aware Miley Cyrus was always quick to build up her team , even if it meant being self-deprecating to herself. Though she may not be the innocent Disney star she used to be when she was younger, with some of Cyrus' albums being more naughty than wholesome, she is definitely not lacking in the fan department and is still one of the most talented and prolific pop stars today.
As a judge, Miley was never shy to give her opinion to the contestants, but she always remained down-to-earth while communicating her honesty. All in all, fans still wish for her return as a judge, as viewers do not believe her two-year span was long enough.
Gwen Stefani (Season 7, 9, 12, 17, 19)
“You’re Like A Phenomenon! I’m Gonna Hype You Up So Big On TV Right Now.”
It's clear from her time on the show that Gwen is a true sweetheart, and it shows even in her coaching style. While this quote was said to fellow guest judge Usher, it's a great example of how naturally uplifting Stefani is to not only her peers but to the contestants that need that extra push of confidence, as well.
The No Doubt singer has been quite the ringleader in pop music and grunge for several decades now, but that doesn't stop her from remaining humble and giving others credit where it's due, no matter how big or small of an artist they are.
Ariana Grande (Season 21)
“Our Paths Were Meant To Cross. This Is Such A Beautiful Gift To Know You, To See You Perform, To Grow In This Space.”
Between the time she hit her button and made her smash hit "Thank U Next" play in retaliation to another judge talking trash to her many other witty remarks, it's no secret that Ariana is quite the jokester. However, it's clear she has a sensitive side when she tearfully uplifts her team several times throughout the season, as her ion for what she does shines through.
Though her time on The Voice isn't the first time her work has touched TV viewers, with Grande's music often featured in film and TV, her influence was immense and brought a whole new generation of viewers to the show.
Kelly Clarkson (Season 13-21)
“That’s So Weird Because She’s My Mother-In-Law! Do Y'all Know Reba McEntire?”
Kelly is no novice to the show, yet she never gets any less playfully competitive, which is largely why fans love her as a judge. Though it's clear she's witty and hilarious, she is also quick to uplift contestants and talks positively on behalf of other judges in rounds where she can't press her button.
She brings a unique perspective to the show, as she knows how it feels not only to be a judge but to be a contestant on American Idol and win.
Adam Levine (Season 1-16)
“I Do Hate [Blake], But Deep Down Somewhere, In Feelings I Have Not Yet Accessed, I Still Really Love Him.”
All fans of the show know that Adam and Blake had quite the entertaining ongoing rivalry, highlighted through this quote that is typical of Levine's cheeky nature. Though their arguments were playful most of the time, Adam didn't mind giving Blake his credit where it was due.
As a long-running judge, Adam was often the first pick among contestants, largely due to his successful pop career spanning several decades as a still young artist. From his involvement in Maroon 5 to his solo work, Levine has many loyal fans to this day who appreciate not only his humor but the insider knowledge he brings to the table.
Blake Shelton (Season 1-21)
“It’s Almost Like If You Break Up With A Girl And Then The Next Weekend She Comes Back To The Barn And She Looks Hotter Than Ever."
The ever-so-stereotypically-country Blake loves his southern analogies, which is partly why he is such a beloved coach among fans. Not only are his sass levels always off the charts, but his quick-witted playful insults and comebacks are top-notch.
However, his confident facade doesn't tell the whole story, as any fan can tell he has an eye for talent, and he makes any team member feel valued. While he's a pro at cracking dad jokes, he definitely provides comfort to his teammates, which makes him a highly lovable coach to this day.