Reba McEntire sat out The Voice for years, not out of boredom, but due to something far more personal: reluctance. The country music giant received a call to be one of the show’s inaugural coaches even before Blake Shelton made his now-iconic red chair debut. But she rejected it currently, unsure about the nature of the show and her comfort level with evaluating emerging artists.
McEntire stated in a 2020 interview on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, “I couldn’t see me doing that.” She highlighted her “gypsy-like” lifestyle and her aversion to being confined. The notion of providing honest comments did not sit well with the famously courteous performer. Consequently, Reba sustained her popularity in the country music industry during Shelton’s tenure as the show’s executive producer; however, she was excluded from the coaching panel.
That was until Blake Shelton walked in.
Their narrative is about mutual respect and professional development. McEntire’s involvement with The Voice began quietly when she served as a Battle Advisor for Team Blake during Season 1. The experience allowed her to get a sense of the show’s dynamic without making a long-term commitment. Years later, she returned as the Mega Mentor for Season 23, which Shelton indicated would be his final season.
That timing was not coincidental.
During their time on set, Shelton, knowing the show will soon be without its longest-running coach, gave McEntire the boost she needed. According to an interview with NBC Insider, he expressed his confidence that she would enjoy the activity and encouraged her to participate.
That support was meaningful since it came from a trusted friend and coworker. Their decades-long relationship and professional history, demonstrated by their playful behind-the-scenes interactions, elevated Shelton’s offer beyond a casual remark to a pivotal moment.
With Season 24 approaching and Shelton departing after 23 seasons, the moment was finally right. Reba McEntire has officially joined The Voice as a coach, a post she had previously passed down. And, after more than a decade and some gentle coaxing, her presence now feels not just natural, but also fated.
Finally, it was more than just altering her mind. It necessitated the appropriate timing, the appropriate individuals, and a small amount of encouragement from an individual who believed she was the perfect candidate for the role. Blake Shelton may have relinquished the position, but he has entrusted it to the most capable and country-loving individual.