Usher And Shakira Join The Voice US As Temporary Vocal Coaches For Fourth Season

18 September 2012, 08:42 | Updated: 18 September 2012, 09:09

The two artists will replace Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Green for one season in 2013.

Usher and Shakira have been officially announced as temporary replacements for The Voice US judges Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Green on the upcoming fourth season of the show next year.

The Voice US returned this month for its third season and it was announced this week that original judges Christina and Cee Lo will take a one season break in early 2013 to work on their solo music careers.

'Climax' singer Usher and 'She Wolf' star Shakira have been confirmed as the two panelists temporary replacements, in an effort by network NBC to broaden the pool of potential judges at their disposal for the show in future.

"Having award-winning artists as coaches means they need to be able to tour," the show's executive producer Mark Burnett said in a statement. "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," he added. "Meanwhile, we're incredible excavated to have singular artists like Usher and Shakira joining the fold.

"Since this year NBC and The Voice US 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," Christina also said. "By pursuing my first passion of music during the break, I am also able to come back and offer even more to my team on The Voice in the future."

The Voice US panelists Blake Shelton and Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine are both expected to remain as panelists on the show leading into the fourth season, with both Christina and Cee Lo expected to return to their vocal coach chairs in Autumn 2013.

Check out a picture of Shakira performing live in concert below (Credit: PA Photos):

Christina Aguilera is currently preparing to launch her seventh studio album 'Lotus' later this year, while Cee Lo is also set to begin working on new material in the coming months.

Over the weekend Usher was interviewed on the latest episode of Oprah's Next Chapter, where he opened up about the recent tragic death of his 11 year-old stepson Kyle Glover.

Usher announced the first 21 dates for his upcoming 'Euphoria' 2013 European tour today (18th September) in support of his recent album 'Looking 4 Myself'.