Iconic Female Country Artist Named As Blake Shelton’s ‘Voice’ Replacement

The Voice / YouTube

In a surprise announcement Monday morning, The Voice named who will be replacing Blake Shelton on the show’s 24th season.

Blake Shelton’s run as a Voice coach is coming to an end next week as the show wraps its 23rd season. But, country music fans need not despair as country music legend Reba McEntire will be taking over his red chair.

The Voice shared the news to social media along with the reveal of its full lineup of judges for the fall season. Joining Reba will be returning judges Niall Horan, John Legend and Gwen Stefani.

 

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John Legend acted as a coach on seasons 16 through 22, and is returning after taking a break from season 23. Gwen Stefani is a long-time on and off coach, having occupied a red chair for six previous seasons. And Niall Horan is returning for his second consecutive season.

Reba’s new gig is likely to console country music fans who were sad to see Blake Shelton leaving the show after 23 seasons. The “God’s Country” singer was the only original coach left in the lineup, and happened to be the winningest coach with nine wins.

Shelton announced his departure from The Voice in October 2022.

Reba McEntire turned down an offer to be a judge on The Voice prior to its premiere in 2011. In an interview earlier this year, Reba was asked if she would ever consider replacing Blake.

“Who could fill Blake’s shoes?” McEntire told ET in February. “To fill Blake’s chair? Wow. That’s gonna be tough. He did a great job and kudos to him.”

Tune in to The Voice on Mondays at 8/7c on NBC and Tuesdays at 9/8c on NBC this fall. An exact premiere date hasn’t been released.