Adam Levine Was Looking to Leave 'The Voice' 4 Years Ago: 'He Was Just Tired,' Ryan Tedder Says

Adam Levinehad his mind set on departing fromThe Voiceyears before his shockingexit announcementin May.

“I initially got pitched four years ago on potentially replacing Adam onThe Voicebecause he was just tired. He was like, ‘I think I’m going to step off for a minute.’ They called to see if I would do it,” Tedder, 39, recalled.

“And before I could even decide, they called back and said, ‘False alarm. He’s back on but we have this other show that you might be better for,’ ” the three-time Grammy winner and OneRepublic frontman said.

Tedder previously joinedThe Voicein November 2013 during season 5 as the show’s first-ever in-house producer and songwriter. That same season, the star — who has worked with Adele, Beyoncé, Leona Lewis, Paul McCartney andCarrie Underwood— also served as the mentor.

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Levine previously opened up about his decision to leave in alengthy noteon Instagram.

“For me, it was time to move on. Your support has meant EVERYTHING,” he told fans of the gig, which lasted over eight years and 16 seasons.

A source recentlytold PEOPLEthat the father of two is also looking forward to Stefani re-joining the show.

“It’s bittersweet for everyone, but Adam is so excited that Gwen is going to take his chair,” the source said.

In addition, the source revealed that there is “no bad blood” between Levine and the judges.

“[Leaving the show] is something he’s been talking to [host] Carson [Daly] and the other coaches about for some time,” says a source close to Levine. “It’s just time for him to leave.”

source: people.com