CeeLo Green Bids Goodbye to 'The Voice': ‘I’m Not Coming Back’ [VIDEO]

CeeLo Green announced on the Wednesday episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show that he will not come back as a judge on The Voice after four seasons. He served as a mentor during Seasons 1-3 and Season 5.

"I'm going to continue my relationship with NBC. I have a television show development deal with them and hopefully some other talk show opportunities for later in the year," Green said. "But yeah, I'm going to miss The Voice, too. I'm not coming back, guys."

"Oh, you're not coming back at all?" host Ellen DeGeneres asked and was surprised with the announcement.

"I'm not coming back at all," Green replied. "I just don't want to wear out my welcome there, you know what I'm saying? I have so many other things that I want to do. I haven't released an album in four years. I'm almost done with my album."

"We'll appreciate the music but we'll miss you on The Voice," DeGeneres said. "I had no idea. I just thought you were taking a leave. But you're going to be amazing at anything you do."

Green admitted that he did not mean to "drop the bomb today."

Green also issued a statement following the TV episode: "I'm officially announcing today that I won't be returning as a coach on The Voice cycle 7 in the Fall. There are numerous reasons that led to this decision, which has been amicably reached with NBC, but I'm excited to be developing several other ideas with the network and my association with NBC remains strong. The Voice has been an immensely enjoyable experience for me and I can only hope I have enriched the lives of our viewers, the contestants, and the many friends I made there. I will always be there in spirit.

"Meanwhile, NBC and I plan to continue our relationship with several new co-ventures including a new music show, while we also explore our ideas for me to create and host a new show of my own. I will not go quietly into the night... expect more great music and entertainment done in my own unique unmistakable and undeniable way. And The Voice has given me all the altitude and incentive to do just that. Thanks for the memories and make way for many more!"

NBC also issued a statement: "CeeLo Green has been an instrumental part of the success of The Voice and we deeply appreciate all his contributions. We're looking forward to working with him on other upcoming projects that will tap into both his musical and entertainment expertise."

Currently, the five-time Grammy Award winner is planning a spring/summer tour with Lionel Richie. He is also dealing with a charge that he allegedly gave ecstasy to a woman when they had dinner in 2012.