Carson Daly Jokes Gwen Stefani Was the ‘Only One Voting’ the Year Blake Shelton Was Named Sexiest Man Alive

The country singer was named PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive in 2017

Carson Daly, Blake Shelton, The Voice

From left: Carson Daly and Blake Shelton on ‘The Voice’.Credit : 

Tyler Golden/NBC

Talented contestants may drive The Voice, but the celebrity coaches have long been just as headline-worthy. The spinning red chairs have featured chart-toppers, Grammy winners and undeniable heartthrobs.

But during The Voice: Battle of Champions Karaoke Night in New York City on Thursday, Feb. 19, longtime host Carson Daly reminded fans of a fun bit of trivia: three former coaches once held PEOPLE’s coveted Sexiest Man Alive title.

Reflecting on one win in particular, he couldn’t resist cracking a joke at Blake Shelton, who was named Sexiest Man Alive in 2017 while serving as a coach on the NBC hit. “Not sure how that happened,” Daly, 52, tells PEOPLE. “Gwen [Stefani] must’ve been the only one voting that year.”

The country singer, 49, who married Stefani, 56, in 2021, had been part of the show since its 2011 premiere and remained a cornerstone of the panel through season 23 before stepping away in 2023. His 2017 Sexiest Man Alive title came at the height of his Voice dominance, adding another accolade to a résumé that already included multiple coaching victories.

Shelton, however, isn’t the only Voice star to earn the honor. Adam Levine claimed the Sexiest Man Alive title in 2013 during his original run on the series. The “Payphone” singer, 46, served as a coach for seasons 1 through 16 before departing in 2019, but he is now back to reclaim his chair for season 29 after a five-year hiatus.

Later, John Legend joined the club, earning the distinction in 2019 while actively coaching. Each win came while the artists were balancing busy music careers with prime-time mentoring duties, ultimately cementing their appeal both on and off the stage.

THE VOICE -- "Battle Rounds" Episode 1607 -- Pictured: (l-r) John Legend, Kelly Clarkson, Carson Daly, Blake Shelton, Adam Levine

From left: John Legend, Kelly Clarkson, Carson Daly, Blake Shelton and Adam Levine on ‘The Voice’.Trae Patton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

With that much star power in one place, it’s fair to wonder if there’s ever been friendly rivalry between the former titleholders — especially when three Sexiest Man Alive winners have shared the same set.

When asked if there is ever a duke out on set between these past title holders, Daly says no. “They’re humble guys… No problems there,” he reveals. “They’re well-behaved.”