Adam Levine Apologizes For 'I Hate This Country' Remark: My Comments Were Out Of Frustration

Adam Levine is apologizing for saying “I hate this country” on “The Voice” after two of his team members, Judith Hill and Sarah Simmons, were voted off Tuesday night. The Maroon 5 frontman first tried to shrug off what he said. But after social media exploited the comment, Levine issued a statement in which he explained that he was speaking out of frustration.

"I obviously love my country very much and my comments last night were made purely out of frustration," Levine said in a statement quoted by Eonline.com. "Being a part of ‘The Voice,’ I am passionately invested in my team and want to see my artists succeed. Last night's elimination of Judith and Sarah was confusing and downright emotional for me and my comments were made based on my personal dissatisfaction with the results. I am very connected to my artists and know they have long careers ahead, regardless of their outcome on the show."

According to Hill, who was a considered a front-runner on the show, and Simmons, the singer was sincerely upset about their early departure. They told the celebrity news site: "Adam was pretty bummed and very passionate about both of us," Hill told Eonline.com. "He said to us, ‘You know, it's a game show. You deserve to both be here.'" Added Simmons: "He was really upset for sure. Very, very upset."

Early Wednesday morning, before his official apology, Levine took to his Twitter account to post the definitions of "joke," "humorless," "lighthearted" and "misunderstand” as a first response to his “I hate this country” comment.

“Voice” judges Usher, Shakira and Levine all have one contestant remaining in the competition, while Blake Shelton is holding on strong with three team members. Check out the season finale of “The Voice” on NBC June 18 at 9 p.m. EDT.