After a long hiatus from the red chairs, Adam Levine made a much-anticipated return to The Voice Season 27. Once a cornerstone of the show’s early success, Levine was set to bring his signature edge and sharp wit back to the coaching panel, reuniting with fans who’ve missed his dynamic presence since his departure in 2019. And it looks like Levine’s return is paying off for NBC. Here’s what a source said about NBC bending to Levine’s whims if he can maintain high viewership for the show.

‘The Voice’ executives are thrilled with Adam Levine’s return bringing high viewership to the show

Adam Levine left The Voice after 16 seasons, shocking fans who were accustomed to watching his banter with Blake Shelton. Now, he coaches alongside John Legend, Michael Bublé, and Kelsea Ballerini in The Voice Season 27. Michael Bublé and Kelsea Ballerini are fresher faces on the series, with Bublé only coaching on one season before the current one. And there’s no doubt that original fans of the series tuned back in to see Levine in action.

A source told Life & Style that Levine has become NBC’s golden child. “Adam is now in a position where he could ask for the moon and get it from the network,” the source alleged. “The numbers don’t lie; viewers are tuning in to see him, and that is no doubt going to mean more money in his pocket.”

The insider noted that the executives aren’t openly discussing Levine’s (likely high) salary. “His salary is being kept very hush-hush, but a lot of people are saying they’re paying him the most on the show; they likely had to in order to lure him back,” the insider noted. “Now, with these ratings and this proof of his value, it’s likely he’ll get even more for future seasons, assuming he sticks around.”

Overall, the other coaches don’t appear jealous of Levine. “They’ve been lavishing him with praise, but so far, it doesn’t seem to be causing any issues among the cast,” the source added. “They’re all just so happy that the show is killing it and in the top spot.”

How much does Adam Levine get paid to coach on ‘The Voice’?

Adam Levine hasn’t outright stated his salary from The Voice. However, NBC likely offered him a hefty pay to get him to return for season 27. Thankfully, it seems the network’s strategy is working, as The Voice continues to pull in high viewership.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Levine was paid around $14 million in 2019. In 2025, it’s likely much higher. Throughout 16 seasons, he likely earned around $68 million in total.

Michael Bublé, John Legend, and Kelsea Ballerini reportedly make less than Levine. It’s estimated that they each bring home $13 million per season.

The show’s staff hairstylists said the judges are all ‘replaceable’

Adam Levine might be in NBC’s good graces with The Voice Season 27. However, The Voice staff hairstylists Jerilynn Stephens and Darbie Wieczorak told The U.S. Sun that the show is “constantly evolving,” and all of the new judges throughout the years prove anyone can be replaced.

“We kept going. Everyone’s always replaceable,” Stephens said. “I mean, truly, it brings a new, fresh feel to the show.”

It’s unclear if Levine intends to stick with the series after season 27. But he’s happy to be back — for now. “I just felt like it was time,” Levine told E! News about returning for the current season. “I had some time to reflect and do my thing and be with my family. … It’s funny, I actually didn’t miss it while I was gone. But I became more nostalgic about it once I came back.”

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