Pharrell Williams’ shock decision to join The Voice USA has been given further heat by a warning from Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine that he should “get ready for a rollercoaster”.

It was confirmed this week that Williams would replace CeeLo Green on the hit show in the new season. Fellow judge Levine told the Hollywood Reporter that the N.E.R.D. star would be in for a surprise. It is Williams’ first foray into the TV talent game.

The warning comes just days after Shakira also cautioned Williams, tweeting him: “Fasten your seat belt, it’s going to get wild.”

Williams will take his place beside Levine, country legend Blake Shelton, R ‘n’ B superstar Usher, and Shakira.

CeeLo Green confirmed his departure last week, stating: “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… The Voice has given me all the altitude and incentive to do just that. Thanks for the memories and make way for many more!”

Blake Shelton told reporters that Williams should be warned. “The gloves have got to come off,” the 37 year old country star insisted. “He’s got to get mad, gotta get competitive and start thinking about music like it’s a sport.”

The financial details of Williams’ new contract have not been made public but a statement from Paul Telegdy, President of Late Night Programming for NBC Entertainment stated: “It’s been a huge year for Pharrell, with recognition for his contribution in the world of music — the ‘Despicable Me’ franchise soundtracks, his Oscar-nominated song Happy and his Grammy-winning collaboration with Daft Punk on the breakout dance hit Get Lucky. His dominance in record sales in 2014, coupled with his incomparable accomplishments in the world of fashion and design, make him an irresistible addition to The Voice family.”