After years of working behind the scenes for artists like Mary J. Blige and Alicia Keys, John Legend released his debut studio album, Get Lifted, in 2004. That album spawned his first hit, “Ordinary People,” which was responsible for one of Legend’s three Grammy trophies that year. Branching out from music, the EGOT winner joined the cast of The Voice as a coach in 2019. Spending 10 seasons in the big red chair, Legend, 46, will sit out season 28 in favor of live performing. Unfortunately, he recently delivered some disappointing news to his fans in Italy.
John Legend Clears Up a Misunderstanding
Over Independence Day weekend, R&B legend Mary J. Blige will hit the stage at the Piazza del Plebiscito in Naples, Italy, for the Napoli 4 Ever show. Recently, the “No More Drama” singer shared a post to social media advertising herself and John Legend as performers.
Unfortunately for diehard Legend fans, this is not the case.
Taking to his Instagram Stories Sunday (June 29), the “All of Me” crooner wrote that he neither knew about nor approved these advertisements.
Next, he explained that the show’s promoters approached his team about performing at the July 6 event. However , they could not reach “an acceptable agreement.” Yet, the show continued to promote Legend’s performance, he said.
“Unfortunately, I will not be performing there,” Legend wrote.
Summarily, The Voice star wrote, “I would never want my fans to be misled expecting to see me at an event where I will not be. My apologies for any misunderstanding.”
Is John Legend Returning to ‘The Voice?’
The Voice just wrapped up its 27th season on NBC with coaches Kelsea Ballerini, Michael Bublé, John Legend, and Adam Levine. With the season 28 lineup recently announced, only one is returning to their big red chair. Two-time champ Bublé will join fellow veterans Snoop Dogg, Niall Horan, and Reba McEntire.
Likely, Legend exited The Voice because of his Get Lifted 20th Anniversary Tour. Kicking off in May, the “Green Light” singer wrapped up the European leg of his latest tour on June 14. The tour resumes Aug. 23 and runs through Dec. 9, ending at Paramount Theater in Oakland, California.
Featured image by Tyler Golden/NBC