Gwen Stefani officially joins The Voice

Gwen Stefani has officially joined The Voice USA.

The 44-year-old singer will take a seat on the panel for the seventh series of the show, Christina Aguilera - who is currently on hiatus from the programme as she is pregnant with her second child - confirmed on twitter.

Christina wrote: "So excited to have you join #TheVoice squad @GwenStefani! Welcome to our crazy fam! Kisses- xoxo #blondesdoitbest (sic)"

Gwen later confirmed the news herself, posting a photo of her hand in the show's signature V shape while clutching a microphone on her Instagram page.

She added the caption: " "It's true! @nbcthevoice.(sic)".

However, Gwen's appointment will be shortlived, as NBC's official announcement about the new series also confirmed Christina will return to the show in season eight.

Original coaches Adam Levine and Blake Shelton - who are working alongside Usher and Shakira on the current season - will also return, while 'Happy' hitmaker Pharrell Williams will take the fourth seat on the panel.

Both Gwen and Pharrell will perform on the show's live telecast on May 5.

Host Carson Daly recently said he thought Gwen - who has sons Kingston, seven, Zuma, five, and Apollo, two months, with husband Gavin Rossdale - would be a good addition to the show.

He said: "She's friends with the other coaches but has a strong opinion, which is also important.

"They can't all just be too lovey out there. So I think she'd be a solid choice."