In May 2023, the era of “The Voice” saw a significant shift as the beloved coach Blake Shelton exited the show after 23 consecutive seasons, nine of which he had won. Speculation about who would fill his big shoes began almost instantly when Blake announced his retirement back in October 2022, and Reba McEntire, the country mega-star and last season’s Mega-Mentor, was cast as his replacement. Notably, Reba made history at the age of 68 as the oldest and most experienced coach the show had ever seen.
Reba’s addition to “The Voice” panel was exciting for multiple reasons, especially in contrast to previous seasons dominated by alpha males like Adam Levine and Blake. The recent seasons have featured younger, millennial-friendly coaches like Ariana Grande, Chance the Rapper, Camila Cabello, Nick Jonas, Miley Cyrus, and reigning champ Niall Horan. Reba brought a wealth of experience, having been in the music business since before even “Star Search” was on the air.
Her debut on “The Voice” was nothing short of iconic. Reba arrived at the premiere on horseback, cut the satin ribbon on her chair with oversized scissors, and wore a rhinestone-cowgirl tiara and matching scepter throughout most of the episode. Despite Niall’s claims of being “The King of The Voice” due to his recent victory, Reba’s presence made it clear that there was a new queen in town.
Reba’s competitors did their best to attract contestants to their teams, but her charisma and seasoned wisdom won many over. The coaches offered enticing recruitment incentives, such as leather jackets, checkered hoodies, and colorful sweatshirts, but Reba had an unusual yet effective strategy: tater tots.
While Reba didn’t play as dirty as her predecessor Blake, she didn’t need to, as her unique charm and genuine mentorship spoke volumes. The dynamics among the coaches promised an interesting season ahead.
Here’s a recap of some standout contestants from the premiere:
Jordan Rainer, 33: Jordan’s sassy country rendition of “Fancy” made her an ideal fit for Team Reba. All four coaches turned, but Niall’s dream of a “real deep country singer” was a long shot with the Queen of Country herself on the panel.
Joslynn Rose, 16: Joslynn’s impressive performance of “Arcade” earned her a spot on Team Gwen, despite her potential as a country artist that Niall sought.
Deejay Young, 33: A seasoned performer from the Hamilton touring cast, Deejay showcased his falsetto on “This Woman’s Work” and joined Team Legend.
Sophia Hoffman, 18: Sophia returned this season with a powerful rendition of “Tell Me You Love Me,” earning a spot on Team Niall. Reba made sure to point out that Niall had missed turning his chair for Sophia last season.
Jackson Snelling, 21: Jackson’s emotional dedication and classic country voice impressed Reba, landing him on Team Reba.
Alexa Wildish, 34: Alexa’s stunning performance of “Songbird” left all four coaches turning. She ultimately chose Team Niall.
Olivia Minogue, 19: Olivia’s performance of “Lay Me Down” had its shaky moments, but her unique tone intrigued all four coaches. She decided to join Team Niall.
Kristen Brown, 24: Kristen’s solo performance of “Blown Away” was met with mixed reactions, but her potential as a country artist earned her a spot on Team Gwen.
Mara Justine, 21: Mara concluded the premiere with a captivating performance of “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.” All four coaches turned, and her choice was left hanging, promising an exciting season ahead.
The premiere showcased Reba’s impact as a coach and set the stage for an intriguing competition. Her unique charm, combined with the diverse talent of the contestants, ensured that “The Voice” Season 24 would be one to watch.