The Voice coaches Gwen Stefani and Blake Sheldon are returning to work for Season 9 of the hugely-successful reality TV singing competition despite their personal struggles.
Sheldon has confirmed with the Daily News that he and country singer Miranda Lambert have finalized their divorce in July. But Shelton said he is fine returning to the NBC reality series and start mentoring new talents.
The former couple said in a joint statement, "This is not the future we envisioned. And it is with heavy hearts that we move forward separately. We are real people, with real lives, with real families, friends and colleagues. Therefore, we kindly ask for privacy and compassion concerning this very personal matter."
In a separate interview, Stefani said she had filed for divorce from Gavin Rossdale to end their 13-year marriage and wants to focus on her job.
The couple also issued a joint statement pledging to work together to raise their three sons Kingston, 9, Zuma, 6, and Apollo, 1.
"While the two of us have come to the mutual decision that we will no longer be partners in marriage, we remain partners in parenthood and are committed to jointly raising our three sons in a happy and healthy environment," the statement reads.
Well, at least Stefani and Blake will have each other to lean on in the upcoming The Voice Season 9 which starts airing next month.
"She has been busy and focusing on work," a source described how Stefani is approaching the divorce told People.
Meanwhile, Christian Today reported that Sheldon, Stefani and Pharell Williams will get assistance from new mentors John Fogerty, Missy Elliot, Brad Paisley, and Selena Gomez in the next season as celebrity mentors who will help the contestants develop their singing techniques.
Each of the new mentors will be teamed up with one of the original mentors, the report said.
Coaches Adam Levine will be partnered with Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater. The partnership should be a breeze as Levine is a self-confessed classic rock fan, and Fogerty, well, in a rock band.
Williams will be teaming up with hip hop legend Missy Elliot, who will share their expertise to their respective teams. The two have been working together for some time now so chemistry will not be a problem. Both Williams and Elliot have established impressive rapport during all their collaborations which could a great advantage for his team.
Award-winning country singer Blake Sheldon will be getting fresh support by fellow legendary country artist Brad Paisley to give advice to his team. Stefani will collaborate with pop sensation Gomez in honing the singing prowess of their team.
Gomez is also expected to draw in fresh viewers from the show and provide additional glamour to the already star-filled reality show.
