Following the recent changes at the judges' table at FOX's American Idol, NBC's The Voice today announced some shakeups of its own. 

R&B star Usher and Colombian singer Shakira will replace Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Green for the fourth season of the hit singing contest.

"We are thrilled to welcome Usher and Shakira to 'The Voice,' " Robert Greenblatt, chairman of NBC Entertainment, said in statement. "The addition of these popular iconic artists continues the tradition established by Christina, Cee Lo, Adam and Blake. Doing two back-to-back cycles of this show requires a tremendous amount of time, and we are happy to accommodate the commitments made by Christina and Cee Lo."

Adam Levine and Blake Shelton are staying through season four.

Aguilera said she will be taking the season off to gear up for the release of her new album Lotus, set to debut on Nov. 13. 

"As I have expressed since day one of the show, that I am a singer and performer first and I am so excited to get back to that love," Aguilera said. "Being a coach on The Voice is a wonderful experience and the relationship amongst us all is like an extended family. I am so proud of being part of the show from the beginning, all the work we've done, and proud of what the show stands for as a whole." 

Green is taking the season four hiatus to focus on an upcoming solo album, new Goodie Mob album, his Las Vegas residency Loberace, new memoir, and new NBC comedy.

"Thank you NBC for supporting my decision," Green said. "It says that I'm seen and respected as a complete artist and not just a cast member. I'm highly enthusiastic about focusing my undivided attention on my additional endeavors and interests. It's great to also give a host of other talent the chance to experience what a joy it is to be part of what is truly the best show of them all. NBC is home and as far as Usher and Shakira are concerned - 'mi casa su casa'."

Both Aguilera and Green promises to return to the show for season five next fall.  

"Having award-winning artists as coaches means they need to be able to tour," said executive producer Mark Burnett. "Whether in the red chair or on tour, our coaches have their chairs for life. This is exactly why, after three seasons, we needed to allow them to rotate out so they can get on the road amongst their fans. Meanwhile, we're incredibly excited to have singular artists like Usher and Shakira joining the fold."

Usher is best known for his 2004 album "Confessions" and is one of the world's best-selling artists with global sales of 65 million record and seven Grammy awards.

Shakira burst onto the international pop scene with her 2006 single "Hips Don't Lie."