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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Adam Levine leaving ‘The Voice’ after 16 seasons

Adam Levine, of Maroon 5, performs Feb. 3 during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots in Atlanta.  Levine is leaving NBC’s “The Voice” after 16 seasons. (Mark Humphrey / Associated Press)
Associated Press

Adam Levine is leaving NBC’s “The Voice” after 16 seasons.

Carson Daly made the announcement Friday morning on the “Today” show. Daly said Gwen Stefani will return for season 17 in Levine’s chair.

The Maroon 5 frontman wrote a lengthy Instagram post Friday, saying the Emmy-winning show “went on to be a life shaping experience that will be close to my heart forever.”

Levine was part of the original lineup of “The Voice” when it launched in 2011, along with Christina Aguilera, Blake Shelton and CeeLo Green. Aguilera and Green have taken breaks from the show, allowing stars like Pharrell Williams, Kelly Clarkson and John Legend to sit in their chairs. Shelton has never left the show.

It was not clear if Levine was leaving the show for good. Representatives for the singer and NBC didn’t immediately reply to emails.

Tarantino wins top dog award at Cannes Festival

Whether or not Quentin Tarantino wins the Palme d’Or this year, at least he’s not coming home without a trophy.

The director of the Cannes Film Festival entry “Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood” scooped up the top prize at the Palm Dog Awards. The awards are handed out annually to the canine stars – and human directors – of the festival’s most dog-centric flicks.

Tarantino surprised audience members Friday when he turned up to receive the trophy – a red dog collar – in person. He cheered pit bull Brandy, which is owned by Brad Pitt’s character in the film.

“I want to dedicate this to my wonderful actress Brandy. She has brought the Palm Dog home to America,” Tarantino said.

AmfAR gala raises $15M for AIDS research

A signed portrait of Mick Jagger by Andy Warhol, a motorcycle designed by Lewis Hamilton and a vacation at a private island off Tanzania were some of the items that raised $15 million at the 26th amfAR gala and auction.

The event, which raises money for AIDS research, is a fixture during the Cannes Film Festival with its black tie dinner, star-filled live auction and a designer fashion show.

Mariah Carey gave a special performance along with Tom Jones and Dua Lipa during Thursday’s event. Charli XCX provided the entertainment at the after-party.

Kendall Jenner, Antonio Banderas, Pamela Anderson, Patricia Arquette, Rebel Wilson and Adrien Brody were in attendance.

The Warhol screen print raised $363,436 and a Takashi Murakami sculpture went for $2 million.