Shakira and Usher are ushering in a new era on The Voice.
In just-released promotional portraits, the two new mentors pose in the show’s famous swivel chairs alongside veterans Adam Levine and Blake Shelton. Shakira, 35, and Usher, 34, have replaced Christina Aguilera, 32, and Cee Lo Green, 38, for the NBC show’s fourth season, premiering March 25.
Shakira, who will soon welcome her firstborn son with boyfriend Gerard Pique, was several months pregnant while filming the blind auditions in the fall of 2012. “I’m thrilled to be here and I’m sure he is too,” she told Access Hollywood, pointing to her baby bump.
“She’s going to name the baby Adam, actually,” Maroon 5 frontman Levine, 33, joked. “It’s a great name. It’s a strong name. Strong name.”
The “One More Night” crooner admitted he “underestimated” the Latin superstar. “I stole a couple of contestants from him,” Shakira explained.
Usher and Shelton, 36, have been getting along swimmingly. “The dynamic has changed for sure,” the country singer said, noting Aguilera and Green’s temporary departures. “It’s really fun.”
Joked Usher, “I’ve been able to bring out his inner MC Hammer.”