CeeLo Green to 'The Voice': 'Forget You!'

CeeLo Green is saying see ya to "The Voice."

During an interview for Wednesday's "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," the 39-year-old "Forget You" crooner announced that he's leaving the NBC singing competition after four seasons.

"I'm going to miss 'The Voice,'" Green, who is a coach on the show, told the audience. "I'm not coming back, guys. I'm not coming back at all."

[Related: The Voice Exclusive: Season 6 Coaches 'Going for the Throat This Year,' Blake Shelton Teases]

The singer, who is also half of Gnarls Barkley, explained his decision by saying, "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. … It is very important to me."

He admitted that he didn't mean to break his news just yet, saying, "I didn't mean to drop the bomb today."

Green added that his relationship with NBC will continue — he has a show development deal with the network, possibly for a talk show. His other plans include his tour with Lionel Richie, who was with him on "Ellen," this year.

Following his announcement on "Ellen," Green issued a statement through NBC reiterating that his relationship with the network remains strong, but he's leaving to pursue other passions.

"'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," he promised. "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. 'The Voice' has given me all the altitude and incentive to do just that. Thanks for the memories and make way for many more!"

Peter Telegdy, the President of Alternative and Late Night Programming NBC Entertainment, also issued a statement, thanking Green for making the show a hit.

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

The smooth-sounding soul singer has been a fixture on the show since it debuted in April 2011. He's known for his unique fashion sense, spinning around in that red chair in some seriously out-there outfits. The shades-loving star also sometimes accessorized with a white lap cat, Purrfect, who has an ongoing (playful) beef with fellow coach and dog lover Blake Shelton.

Green also worked with Christina Aguilera — she famously joked about his, um, flatulence issues on the show — and Adam Levine. However, he — along with Aguilera — opted to sit out Seasons 4 and the upcoming 6, being replaced by Shakira and Usher.

CeeLo talks about having Usher as his replacement:

The talent competition will return to the air — minus CeeLo — on Feb. 24.