It looks like Christina Aguilera is once again taking a yearlong break from The Voice -- this time to supposedly focus on getting married to fiancé Matt Rustler and a new album instead of a new baby. According to the latest gossip news updates, Gwen Stefani will once again be stepping in for the Nashville actress for Season 9, but word has it that her tenure on the TV show will last no longer than last time -- with Xtina already set to coach alongside Adam Levine and Blake Shelton in Season 10.
There has been no word as to whether or not she plans to bring her husband, Gavin Rosdale, back to assist her in Season 9, but Gwen Stefani has been confirmed to be returning to NBC's The Voice in 2015.
According to Variety all the usual cast of characters are going to be coming back in the fall with the notable exception of The Hollaback Girl filling in full-time once again for Aguilera:
"Former coach [Gwen Stefani] is replacing Christina Aguilera for The Voice's ninth season, and will be joined by returning coaches Adam Levine, Blake Shelton and Pharrell. Carson Daly will also return as host."
In an unnecessarily longwinded statement, president of alternative and latenight programming for NBC entertainment, Paul Telegdy, announced that he expected The Voice to perform every bit as well with the Gwen pinch hitting as it did last year:
"With such an astounding group of coaches at the peak of their musical ingenuity and Carson returning as our host, we are thrilled for what season nine will bring.
"The expertise and camaraderie of this panel will provide an immeasurable experience for the artists and must-see entertainment for all who are watching."
While she may be going away for a bit to work on other things, Us Weekly has learned through their behind-the-scenes production source that Xtina's is already contractual obligated to return in 2016:
"Christina is confirmed for Season 10 and has already signed her contract.
"She has been very vocal about not doing Season 9 to take a break to spend time with her family and her kids.
"She always planned to flip them so she had a season off and she is not being replaced by Gwen. She will definitely be back the next season."
So it looks like the revolving theme motif lends itself to everything the shows stellar ratings.
