The Maroon 5 singer is one of the show's four celebrity judges, which include Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green and Blake Shelton.
But Levine, 32, says he was 'extremely hesitant' to join The Voice.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he says: 'Sure, at first you think, 'A freakin' singing competition?'
'But it really is different. And, as soon as you watch it, you see that.'
Levine says he was eventually swayed by the opportunity to coach upcoming singers.
He says: 'But given what's going on in the record industry right now, I saw this show as a way to bring in new talent and give people a second, third or even fourth chance.'
On the hit show the celebrity coaches select or reject singers on the basis of their voice alone because when each contestant first performs for them, they can only hear, not see, them.