Entertainment Music Blake Shelton Wants Gwen Stefani Back on 'The Voice' for 'Obvious' Reasons: 'She Is Special,' Says the Singer "As far as Gwen as a coach, there's never been a coach that represents the style of music that Gwen does," Blake Shelton gushed of girlfriend Gwen Stefani By Lindsay Kimble Lindsay Kimble Lindsay Kimble is a Senior Digital News Editor and the Sports Editor for PEOPLE Digital. She's worked at PEOPLE for over seven years as a writer, reporter and editor across our Entertainment, Lifestyle and News teams, covering everything from the Super Bowl to the Met Gala. She's been nominated for the ASME NEXT Awards for Journalists Under 30, and previously wrote for Us Weekly while on staff at Wenner Media. People Editorial Guidelines and Brianne Tracy Brianne Tracy Instagram Twitter Brianne Tracy is a staff writer on the PEOPLE music team. She has been with the brand since starting as an intern nearly six years ago, covering all things entertainment across print and digital platforms. She earned her Bachelors in Broadcast Journalism at the University of Southern California and has been seen on Good Morning America. People Editorial Guidelines Published on December 14, 2016 12:12 PM Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Lester Cohen/WireImage The curtains are barely closed on season 11 of The Voice, but five-time victor Blake Shelton is already looking forward to the next one – especially because it means he’s getting his sweetheart back next to him in those big, red chairs. The country singer opened up about girlfriend Gwen Stefani returning as a coach for season 12 of the popular reality competition series during a press conference following his protégé Sundance Head’s big win on Tuesday. “I want Gwen to come back for obvious reasons!” Shelton, 40, told reporters. “As far as Gwen as a coach, there’s never been a coach that represents the style of music that Gwen does.” Shelton and Stefani met on the set of The Voice, and began dating last fall after their respective divorces. Stefani, 47, sat this season out, with Miley Cyrus taking her place as a coach. For season 12, Stefani will re-join Shelton, Adam Levine and Alicia Keys. “I’d like to sit here and tell you that I’m a powerful guy but I have nothing to do with her coming back as a coach,” Shelton said on Tuesday. “We were high-fiving and partying.” He added, “Obviously Gwen is special and she deserves this.” RELATED VIDEO: Sundance Head Wins Season 11 Of The Voice! The star admitted, however, that he’s sad to see Cyrus go. “Miley not being here is like not having a rainbow after rain,” Shelton told reporters. “She’s brought so much to the show.” Luckily, the pop star will be back on board for season 13! “At this point, I wish we could have 16 coaches,” Shelton said. “It’s unbelievable what this show does. “