Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive show news, updates, and more!
This Country Icon Was Originally Asked to Join The Voice Instead of Blake Shelton
In an alternative reality, Voice fans are rooting for a different country-loving Coach.
Season 23 of The Voice will be Coach Blake Shelton's last hurrah. As fans prepare for his nail-biting last season (airing in March), some are thinking about the red chair vacancy that Shelton's departure creates. Dozens of powerhouse performers have sat in the iconic spinning chair, so who will replace Blake Shelton in Season 24? Country music legend Reba McEntire has something to say about it.
McEntire has never been a Voice Coach, but in an alternative reality, she's the captain of Team Reba. According to ET, McEntire was approached by Voice producers for the coaching gig ahead of the series debut in 2011. While McEntire didn't feel like The Voice was up her alley, her denial created an opening that Shelton would later fill.
Twenty-two seasons later, McEntire opened up about whether or not she would consider a red chair reign. Now that Shelton is leaving after Season 23, a Coach's opening will return. Could McEntire change her mind and become the next country-loving Voice Coach?
"Who could fill Blake's shoes?" McEntire teased.
"I got [a look at] the Holland version of The Voice. They sent it to me and I said, 'I can't see me doing that.' Because, you know, I'm a gypsy at heart," McEntire explained, speaking to her nomadic career and her wishes to avoid being tied down to any one project, music or otherwise.
McEntire wasn't alone in being hesitant toward the U.S. rendition of The Voice. Shelton also thought the whole spinning chairs bit was "goofy" and feared that the show was even "stupid." But Season 1 Coach Christina Aguilera being on board convinced Shelton, and the rest is history. Now, Shelton is the reigning champion as a Voice Coach, with nine wins and 23 seasons under the cowboy's belt.
"To fill Blake's chair? Wow," McEntire said while reflecting on Shelton's massively successful Voice tenure. "That's gonna' be tough. He did a great job, and kudos to him."
The Voice Season 23 premieres Monday, March 6 at 8/7c on NBC and next day on Peacock. After that, watch The Voice on NBC Mondays at 8/7c and Tuesdays at 9/8c and next day on Peacock.
